Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, Volume 3 (of 5): In the years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772 and 1773 — John Shaqi
Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, Volume 3 (of 5): In the years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772 and 1773Bruce, James
History
Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, Volume 3 (of 5): In the years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772 and 1773
Bruce, James
Egypt -- Description and travel; Ethiopia -- Description and travel; Ethiopia -- History; Natural history -- Ethiopia; Nile River
It was soon seen, by the constant administration of many ordinary
doses, that nothing was to be expected from violent or dangerous
ones; as not the smallest degree of amendment ever appeared, either
outwardly or inwardly, to the sensation of the patient. Mercury had no
better effect. Tar-water also was tried; and if there was any thing
that produced any seeming advantage, it was whey made of cow’s milk,
of which he was excessively fond, and which the king ordered him to be
furnished with at my desire, in any quantity he pleased, during the
experiment.
The troubles of the times prevented further attention. Dr Storke’s
cicuta, in several instances, made a perfect cure of the hanzeers
improperly opened, though, in several other cases, without any apparent
cause, it totally miscarried. I scarce ever observed mercury succeed in
any complaint.
It is not for me to attempt to explain what are the causes of these
distempers. Those whose studies lead them to such investigations will
do well to attach themselves, for first principles, to the difference
of climate, and the abuses that obtain under them; after this, to
particular circumstances in the necessaries of life, to which nature
has subjected the people of these countries. Under the first, we may
rank a season of six months rains, succeeded, without interval, by a
cloudless sky and vertical sun; and cold nights which as immediately
follow these scorching days. The earth, notwithstanding the heat of
these days, is yet perpetually cold, so as to feel disagreeably to
the soles of the feet; partly owing to the six months rains, when no
sun appears, and partly to the perpetual equality of nights and days;
the thinnest of the cloathing in the better sort, (a muslin shirt)
while the others are naked, and sleep in this manner exposed, without
covering in the cold nights, after the violent perspiration during the
sultry day. These may be reckoned imprudences, while the constant use
of stagnant putrid water for four months of the year, and the quantity
of salt with which the soil of those countries is impregnated, may be
circumstances less conducive to health; to which, however, they have
been for ever subject by nature.
It will be very reasonably expected, that, after this unfavourable
account of the climate, and the uncertainty of remedies for these
frequent and terrible diseases, I should say something of the regimen
proper to be observed there, in order to prevent what it seems so
doubtful whether we can ever cure.
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