Notes on some early references to tropical diseases / Charles Singer.

  • Charles Singer
Date:
1912
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Notes on some early references to tropical diseases / Charles Singer. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    ^9 the Cure of Diseases of such consequence ([which] every judiciall conceite may perceive to have been the only prejudice to our Nation in the expeditions of our time to the Southerne parts : from whence they have returned with renouned victorie, yet exceedinglie opprest withe extreame and penurious sicknesse, that hathe much more prevented the proceeding and performing of their pretensions than the power of Enemies) is not that I purpose, practitioner-like in Phisicke or Chirurgerie, to assume unto me anie knowledge in those Sciences and Faculties: But to possesse all men of remedies for such infirmities, as in my owne experience, have infinitelie impaired English Forces in intemperate Clymates, which I publish, for the good of those whom cause may compell to have use thereof, and would be so censured of all.’ The author had voyaged principally to the Spanish Main, and was captured by the enemies of his country. In his dedication ^ To the Queenes most Excellent Majestie’ he writes of himself that ‘ in my unjust imprisonment in Spayne, it pleased God to afflict me with the Tabardilla Pestilence: whereof being in cure, by an especiall Phisition of the King, I observed his Methode for the same, and such other Diseases as have perished Your Maiesties people in the Southerne parts. Which Remedies have since, by my direction, taken the like good effects.’ The most pleasing feature of the little book is the verse with which our author opens and concludes his theme. The lines are here given in full. The Writer’s Intent Man that is borne, not for himself is borne, But for his Prince, his Countrie, and his friends. To helpe the sicke, distressed and forlorne, Are works of Mercie, Man to man extends. Who hath the power, and meanes, and will not cherish, Shall with the Hider of his Tallent perish. Transgression first did sinne in man beget, Sinne, sickness, death, and mischiefes many more : For as men’s mindes on wickednes were set. So plagues increast, which were not knowne before. But God, whose mercie, iustice doth exceed, Sends helps for hurts, and salves for sore at need.