Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health

by S. A. D. Tissot

§ 229. The Measles have been communicated by [⁶²] Inoculation in some Countries, where it is of a very malignant Disposition; and that Method might also be very advantageous in this. But what we have already observed, with Respect to the Inoculation of the Small-Pocks, viz. That it cannot be extended to the general Benefit of the People, without the Foundation of Hospitals for that very Purpose, is equally applicable to the Inoculation of the Measles.

Chapter XV.

Of the ardent or burning Fever.

Sect. 230.

he much greater Number of the Diseases I have hitherto considered, result from an Inflammation of the Blood, combined with the particular Inflammation of some Part, or occasioned by some Contagion or Poison, which must be evacuated. But when the Blood is solely and strongly inflamed, without an Attack on any particular Part, this Fever, which we term hot or burning, is the Consequence.

§ 231. The Signs which make it evident are, a Hardness and Fulness of the Pulse in a higher Degree than happens in any other Malady; an excessive Heat; great Thirst; with an extraordinary Dryness of the Eyes, Nostrils, Lips, of the Tongue, and of the Throat; a violent Head-ach; and sometimes a Raving at the Height of the Paroxysm, or Increase of the Fever, which rises considerably every Evening. The Respiration is also somewhat oppressed, but especially at the Return of this Paroxysm, with a Cough now and then; though without any Pain in the Breast, and without any Expectoration, or coughing up. The Body is costive; the Urine very high coloured, hot, and in a small Quantity. The Sick are also liable to start sometimes, but especially when they seem to sleep; for they have little sound refreshing Sleep, but rather a kind of Drowsiness, that makes them very little attentive to, or sensible of, whatever happens about them, or even of their own Condition. They have sometimes a little Sweat or Moisture; though commonly a very dry Skin; they are manifestly weak, and have either little or no Smell or Taste.

§ 232. This Disease, like all other inflammatory ones, is produced by the Causes which thicken the Blood, and increase its Motion; such as excessive Labour, violent Heat, Want of Sleep, the Abuse of Wine or other strong Liquors; the long Continuance of a dry Constitution of the Air, Excess of every kind, and heating inflaming Food.

§ 233. The Patient, under these Circumstances, ought, 1, immediately to be put upon a Regimen; to have the Food allowed him given only every eight Hours, and, in some Cases, only twice a Day: and indeed, when the Attack is extremely violent, Nourishment may be wholly omitted.