An inquiry into the propagation of contagious poisons, by the atmosphere

by Somerville Scott Alison

AN INQUIRY, &c.

PART I.

INTRODUCTION.

“Les hommes sont bien malheureux! ils flottent sans cesse entre de fausses esperances et des craintes ridicules; et, au lieu de s’appuyer sur la raison, ils se font des monstres qui les intimident, ou des fantomes qui les seduisent.”

Montesquieu.

The author of the following pages has been induced to lay before the public the details of an investigation into Atmospheric Contagion, from the following considerations.

1st, That there prevails among the public, and especially among the relatives of the sick, much unnecessary alarm on that subject.

2d, That much injury is inflicted upon the poor patient, who is often made to suffer great and cruel privations, from the neglect and desertion of friends in a state of panic.

3d, That a great obstacle to the progress of Medical Science, is raised up by the belief in the existence of Atmospheric Contagion.

4th, That there exists relative to that subject, much confusion, from the misapplication of terms.