A Plain and Easie Method for Preserving (by God's Blessing) Those That Are Well from the Infection of the Plague, or Any Contagious Distemper, in City, Camp, Fleet, Etc., and for Curing Such as Are Infected with It.

by Thomas Willis

"A Plain and Easie Method for Preserving (by God's Blessing) Those That Are Well from the Infection of the PLAGUE" by Tho. Willis, M.D., is a historical medical treatise written in the late 17th century. This publication provides guidance on how to prevent and cure the plague, reflecting the urgent concerns of public health during times of epidemic. It combines both practical advice and medicinal recipes, showcasing the medical knowledge and beliefs of that period. The book is structured into two main sections: prevention methods and cures for those already infected. In the prevention segment, Willis emphasizes the importance of purifying the air, maintaining cleanliness in living environments, and using various herbal remedies and concoctions to fortify the body's defenses against contagion. For those who fall ill, the text outlines immediate steps to take upon recognizing symptoms, such as inducing sweating and employing specific antidotes and dietary recommendations to combat the pestilence. The treatise illustrates the folk remedies and early scientific approaches of the time, blending practical artistry in medicine with a spiritual reliance on God’s blessing for health preservation.