I suppose, with Dr. Jurin, that the deaths of these were occasioned by different diseases incidental to infancy, and I deduct them out of the whole number, viz.
| 760,098 | |
| 268,529 | |
| ─────── | |
| The remainder is | 491,569 |
It appears likewise that in the same course of time there died of the Small Pox 66,515, which confirms Dr. Jurin’s account, and indeed exceeds the eighth part. Hence we may fairly conclude, that in general the Small Pox carried off the eighth part of those who died in London in the period abovementioned. I procured also the best accounts I possibly could of the whole number of those who had had the disease from places where the Small Pox had raged most, and found, that near one out of five died who had had the disease in the natural way. This also agrees with Dr. Jurin’s observations. We see then that even in London, where the climate is temperate, the disease well known, and the treatment of the sick very ably conducted, this single disease destroyed more than the eighth part of the inhabitants.
But if we turn our eyes towards other dominions, and give credit to the accounts told us, we shall find the disease still more fatal, and in some cities it is almost as destructive as the plague.
It is impossible for me to ascertain with any degree of certainty, the precise number of persons who die annually of the Small Pox in Russia. I am persuaded however, both from good intelligence as well as my own observations, that it is exceeding fatal here. Though I cannot confirm this assertion by proofs, yet from some conversation with the learned I am credibly informed, that of those who have the Small Pox in the natural way one-half die, including the rich and poor.
It seems hardly necessary to shew, how much the riches and strength of states depend upon the number of inhabitants. But perhaps there is not any country in which the certainty of this position is more indisputable than in Russia; for not only the strength of the empire, but the riches of every individual also, must be in proportion to the degree of population. If therefore in London, which enjoys the many advantages already recited, more than 2000 persons die annually of the Small Pox, we may surely suppose, that the loss which Russia in its whole extent sustains by this distemper in the same space of time, amounts to two millions of souls. And this havock must greatly retard the increase of the human species.
There are some diseases peculiar to old age, which terminate a life almost entirely spent, and totally useless to the community.
Such diseases, considered in a political sense, are not hurtful to the state. But the Small Pox spreads destruction chiefly upon the younger part of the species, from whose labours in their several callings the public might otherwise have expected advantages beyond all computation. The disappointment and loss incurred is of course neither to be calculated nor conceived.
A discourse upon this subject might be extended to a great length; but it seems unnecessary to enlarge, especially when I consider to whose judgment this essay is with all humility submitted.
The public, I am persuaded, must be sufficiently convinced from fact and demonstration, that Inoculation is the only means of preventing the mischiefs arising from the Small Pox.