of fevers and dysentery. The fevers are of three
kinds, common ague, remittent, and a pernicious bilious
fever.
The common ague is less to be feared than an
English cold. I have never known it to end fatally.
I t lasts generally from one to three days. This may
result from a small quantity of miasm in the a ir ; hut
the remedies are so very simple that the initiated may
cure themselves in a short time. In nine cases out of
ten the initiated may also ward it off completely,
warned in time by certain symptoms which inform
them that there is a slight derangement.
The remittent fever is simply an exaggeration of
ague, brought on according to the degree of exposure
to the sun, perspiration, and chill. This form may
last several days.
The pernicious bilious type is an aggravated remittent
fever. It is more violent in its symptoms, is
attended with serious complications, and consequently
more dangerous. Its severity depends upon the habits
of the patient, and the amount of exposure, excessive
fatigue and prostration incurred. This form may be altogether
prevented by living wisely and well, by bearing
in mind and implicitly following the above simple rules.
Many attempt self-cure by drinking brandy, whisky, or
gin, and smoking tobacco to excess. But liquor and
tobacco are not prophylactics against any disease.
Some brief extracts from Dr. Martin’s book, ‘ Influences
of Tropical Climates,’ will corroborate all that
I have written here.
1. “ Care in diet, clothing, and exercise are more essential for the Climate—
preservation of health than medical treatment.” ? art n -
2. “ The real way to escape disease is by observing strict temperance,
and to moderate the heat by all possible means.”
3. “ After heat has morbifically predisposed the body, the sudden
influence of cold has the most baneful influence on the human frame.”
4. “ The great physiological rule for preserving health in hot climates
is to keep the body cool. Common sense points out the propriety of
avoiding heating drinks.”
5. “ The cold bath is death in the collapse which follows any great
fatigue of body or mind.”
6. “ Licentious indulgence is far more dangerous and destructive than
in Europe.”
7. “ A large amount of animal food, instead of giving strength, heats
the blood, renders the system feverish, and consequently weakens the
whole body.”
8. “ Bread is one of the best articles of diet. Bice, split vetches, are
wholesome and nutritious. Vegetables are essential to good health, such
as carrots, turnips, onions, native greens, &c.”
9. “ Fruit, when sound and ripe, is beneficial instead of hurtful.”
10. “ The same amount of stimulant undiluted is much more injurious
than when mixed with water.”
With ordinary precaution and attention to the common laws of
hygiene, Europeans may live as long in the tropics as elsewhere.”
One more observation will suffice. However well
the European may endure the climate by wise self-
government, years of constant high temperature assisted
by the monotony and poverty of the diet, cannot be
otherwise than enervating and depressing,. although
life may not be endangered. The physical force, vigour,
or strength becomes debilitated by the heat, necessitating
after a few years recuperation in a temperate
climate. To preserve perfect health, I advise the
trader, missionary, coffee planter,' and agriculturist,
who hopes to maintain his full vigour after eighteen
months residence, to seek three months’ recreation in
Northern Europe ; for the. same reason that a man devoted
to absorbing business in a European city for