Subject
Smallpox -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
Thomas Sherwood
The Charitable Pestmaster; Or, The Cure of the Plague Conteining a few short and necessary instructions how to preserve the body from infection of the plagve, as also to cure those that are infected. Together with a little treatise concerning the cure of the small pox.
"The Charitable Pestmaster; Or, The Cure of the Plague" by Sherwood is a medical treatise written in the early 17th century. This book serves as a guide for those affected by the plague, providing practical instructions on how to prevent and treat infection. Its focus is on both the general populace and the impoverished, blending medical knowledge with societal concerns during an era marked by frequent outbreaks of disease. The content of the book is divided into three chapters, each outlining various aspects of plague management. In the first chapter, Sherwood discusses the causes of the plague and offers preventive measures, including dietary recommendations and the avoidance of polluted air. The second chapter delves into the symptoms of infection and the indicators of recovery or deterioration, emphasizing the importance of proper care. The third chapter provides specific remedies and procedures for treating infected individuals, detailing methods of purification and the use of medicinal concoctions. Notably, Sherwood's work also includes a brief section on the smallpox disease, further showcasing his holistic approach to public health during a time of limited medical knowledge.
Clifton Wintringham
An Essay on Contagious Diseases more particularly on the small-pox, measles, putrid, malignant, and pestilential fevers
"An Essay on Contagious Diseases" by Clifton Wintringham is a scientific publication written in the early 18th century. The book discusses various contagious diseases, with a focus on smallpox, measles, and pestilential fevers, analyzing their causes and effects on the human body. Wintringham seeks to provide clarity on these illnesses during a time when outbreaks were common and understanding of disease transmission was limited. The content of the book is structured into chapters that elaborate on the specific properties and phenomena associated with contagious diseases. The author begins by defining contagious diseases and explaining their potential transmission methods, particularly through the air and contaminated bodily substances. He further examines the physiological changes these diseases instigate in the body, emphasizing the role of various environmental factors such as temperature and humidity in disease propagation. In the latter sections, Wintringham details the signs and symptoms of specific diseases, drawing connections between the severity of illness and the presence of infectious particles, culminating in observations about the historical prevalence and virulence of diseases. Overall, Wintringham's work serves as a significant reflection of early Enlightenment thinking on disease and health.
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