[134] Their miraculous preservation was wrought by their keeping in the fresh air of the open fields. It seems curious that after this object lesson the physicians persisted in their absurd policy of shutting up infected houses, thus practically condemning to death their inmates.
[135] Used here for "this," as also in many other places.
[136] Supply "with."
[137] Such touches as this created a widespread and long-enduring belief that Defoe's fictitious diary was an authentic history.
[138] "Running out," etc., i.e., losing their self-control.
[139] Idiocy. In modern English, "idiotism" is the same as "idiom."
[140] Gangrene, death of the soft tissues.
[141] Before "that" supply "we have been told."
[142] Hanging was at this time a common punishment for theft. In his novel Moll Flanders, Defoe has a vivid picture of the mental and physical sufferings of a woman who was sent to Newgate, and condemned to death, for stealing two pieces of silk.
[143] Cloth, rag.