The subject of the preceding remarks has been the prevention of diseases and it has appeared that the means of this are not so much in the province of the medical profession as of those who are entrusted with the direction of the navy in a civil or military capacity; and that with regard to cure and recovery also, a great deal depends upon them, by their having it in their power to make a suitable provision of proper diet and cordials. The great importance of the subject will plead my excuse for again calling to mind, that such attentions are not only dictated by humanity, but would be the greatest wisdom in an œconomical and national light, considering how expensive it is to _replace_ men and to support invalids, not to mention that it is upon the health and lives of men that every public exertion essentially depends, and upon which may depend not only the character of officers, but the national character in the day of battle. It must be confessed, that though there is still room for improvement, the navy is now on a better footing with regard to the health and comfort of seamen than it appears to have been in former times. The victuals were in general in the late war of excellent quality; the civil branch has shewn in many instances a readiness to adopt the means and to furnish the articles that were recommended for the health of the men[86]; and most of the commanders whom I have the honour to know are humane, attentive, and intelligent. To conclude; there is no situation of life in which there is room for more virtues, more conduct and address, than that of a sea officer. The men are thrown upon his humanity and attention in more views than one: they are subject to a more arbitrary exertion of power than the constitution of the date authorities in civil life, Englishmen giving up into his hands, from considerations of public expediency, that which they hold most dear, and of which they are most jealous, their LIBERTY. It is the character of seamen to be thoughtless and neglectful of their own interest and welfare, requiring to be tended like children; but from their bravery, utility, and other good qualities, they seem entitled to a degree of _parental_ tenderness and attention from the state they protect and the officers they obey. APPENDIX TO PART II. In order to exhibit a concise view of the most material observations contained in this part of the Work, a Memorial, delivered to the Board of Admiralty in October, 1781, is here subjoined. MEMORIAL, Proposing Means for preventing the Sickness and Mortality prevailing among His Majesty’s Seamen in the West Indies.