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

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

Chapter 2: PREFACE.
By Somerville Scott Alison
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About This Book

The author argues that contagious disease is not transmitted through the open atmosphere, reviews historical and experimental claims of airborne contagion, and critiques interpretations of sickness among attendants, visitors, and relocated patients. He examines air vitiation from decomposing vegetation and a range of environmental and social causes of pestilence, including marsh effluvia, famine, cold, inadequate clothing, and depressed morale. Later chapters consider limits to contagious spread, compare contagion with fermentative agents, and offer practical public-health measures — ventilation, sanitation, proper disposal of the dead, sewer and housing improvements, adequate diet and clothing, and steps to maintain an active, cheerful mind to prevent and mitigate disease.

PREFACE.

The Author trusts that the importance and the accuracy of the facts which have been detailed in the following Work may, in some measure, counterbalance the many defects which will doubtless present themselves to the reader.

The progress of the Work has been interrupted, on innumerable occasions, by the unceasing labours incident to the life of a country medical practitioner; and though many of the facts and arguments which have been used, have long obtained the author’s attentive consideration, their reduction to the present form has only now been accomplished during the short intervals which he has seized, after the fatigues of the day had been concluded.

The author relies with some confidence on that indulgence which he hopes will be extended to the work of one who contributes, for useful purposes, the results of his experience, derived from an intimate knowledge of the condition, habits, health and diseases of the various classes of the population of a considerable extent of country, of which his situation has put him in possession.

S. S. A.

Tranent, March 1839.