Observations on the Diseases of Seamen

by Sir Gilbert Blane

The degree of sickness is very different at different times; but it appears by the returns, that, at a medium, there has been one man in fifteen on the sick list.

Having employed all the attention of which I was capable to find out the causes of this sickness and mortality, in order, if possible, to point out the means of prevention, I flatter myself with being able to assign the most general causes, and to propose some effectual remedies.

When it is considered that sickness is almost entirely confined to ships of two and three decks, and that some of these are as healthy as frigates and merchant ships, though in the same circumstances of service with others that are extremely sickly, we are led from hence to infer, that sickness is not in its own nature unavoidable, and we are encouraged to hope, that the attainment of general health is within the compass of human management.

I humbly and earnestly solicit attention to some of the most material observations and conclusions which have occurred in the course of a service, which, though short, has been extensive; and whatever is here proposed has this recommendation, that it is easily practicable, and is no addition to the public charges.

First, I hardly ever knew a ship’s company become sickly which was well regulated in point of cleanliness and dryness. It is the custom in some ships to divide the crew into squads or divisions under the inspection of respective officers, who make a weekly review of their persons and clothing, and are answerable for the cleanliness and regularity of their several allotments. This ought to be an indispensable duty in ships of two or three decks; and when it has been practised, and at the same time ventilation, cleanliness, and dryness below and between decks, have been attended to, I have never known seamen more unhealthy than other men. The neglect of such attentions is a never-failing cause of sickness.

I would, therefore, with all becoming deference, suggest, that such a regulation, instead of being left to the discretion of officers, should be made a part of the public instructions. From some commanders, who already practise these rules, the advantage of them comes to be known; and would not a public sanction not only render them general and permanent, but facilitate the duty of the officer, by making such a regulation appear a matter of legal necessity, instead of his own arbitrary act?

Secondly, Scurvy is one of the principal diseases with which seamen are afflicted, and this may be infallibly prevented, or cured, by vegetables and fruit, particularly oranges, lemons, or limes. These might be supplied by employing one or more small vessels to collect them at different islands, and such an expedient would prevent much sickness, and save many lives. I am well convinced that more men would be saved by such a purveyance of fruit and vegetables, than could be raised by double the expence and trouble employed on the imprest service; so that policy, as well as humanity, concur in recommending it. Every fifty oranges or lemons might be considered as a hand to the fleet, inasmuch as the health, and perhaps the life, of a man would thereby be saved.

Thirdly, The use of wine, in place of rum, has been found extremely conducive to health. In the course of my observation I have met with the most unquestionable proofs of the benefit that would arise from this substitution. It is a farther reason for such a change, that good rum is seldom or never supplied in the West Indies.

Fourthly, The necessaries provided for the sick by the present establishment are not at all adequate, especially on a distant station, where the supply is not regular, and the quantity at best is such as can contribute but little to their comfort and recovery. An ample provision might be made for the sick, without any additional expence, in the following manner:

It is a rule in the service, that though men are sick, their ordinary allowance of salt meat and other victuals is nevertheless served out, and is either used by the other seamen, who stand in no need of it, or is wasted. Now, if the pursers were instructed to provide themselves with certain species of necessaries, such as Madeira wine, sugar, rice, and dried fruits, to serve to the sick, in place of rum, and the common provisions of the ship, such a regulation would be productive of the very best effects, in recovering the health, and preserving the lives of those men who have the misfortune to be taken ill in a situation necessarily destitute of most of the comforts that can alleviate their sufferings. I cannot help here applauding a late regulation, by which melasses are substituted for part of the oatmeal; for the quantity of the latter heretofore legally allowed was so much greater than what was necessary, that one half of it has commonly been wasted.