The fast and the cholera : a sermon, preached in the Unitarian chapel, Boston, on Tuesday, September 25th, 1849, (being the day agreed upon to be observed in the borough, as a day of fasting and humiliation, in consequence of the extreme prevalence of the cholera) / by James Malcolm, ... to which is appended, a brief, practical view of the Asiatic cholera, by A.G. Malcolm, M.D.

Malcolm, James, 1811-1855.

Date:: 1849

Credit: The fast and the cholera : a sermon, preached in the Unitarian chapel, Boston, on Tuesday, September 25th, 1849, (being the day agreed upon to be observed in the borough, as a day of fasting and humiliation, in consequence of the extreme prevalence of the cholera) / by James Malcolm, ... to which is appended, a brief, practical view of the Asiatic cholera, by A.G. Malcolm, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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1() It is gratitying, then, that we can turn to its sanitary preventive means, with satis¬ faction and confidence. The immense mass of information regarding its progress collected by Government, and private commissions, and individual observation, has so elucidated many of its palpable causes, that we are justified in laying down cer¬ tain general principles, calculated to ward otf the horrors of the j^estilence from communities, and even individuals. These means comprise its preventive treat¬ ment, which may be thus conveniently arranged. 1. A locality, to be rendered insusceptible of the cholera poison, should be tboroughly drained, and if possible, rather elevated ; its thoroughfares should be wide and free, permitting the uncontrolled range of atmospheric currents; and its entire surface contaminated as little as possible by animal and vegetable remains. 2. The dead, in such a locality, should, in no case, be buried in the midst of the living. 3. Every house should be constructed vvith a view to the most perfect ventila¬ tion, and be kept in all matters, especially in rear accommodation, scrupulously clean ; water-closets, and underground sewerage, especially of old houses, should . be thoroughly exarained. 4. Every person should particularly endeavour to ensure unremitting regular¬ ity in meals, exercise, and rest. Diet may be such as is usual in ordinary health ; but it is safer to partake more of solids than of fluids. Vegetables, good, and iu mo¬ derate quantities, are by no means proscribed ; but temperance in the use of stimu¬ lants, aye, even in all things, is especially enjoined. Exercise should be regular and moderate, never excessive ; and the night re¬ pose, if possible, unbroken. Night duty is one of the severest tests of the con¬ stitution. The functions of the skin demand our continual attention. The shower bath (tepid, if desired), or cold sponging, or dry rubbing of the entire body should be performed daily, and the freshening, cleansing, and grateful luxury of the warm bath should be partaken of once or twice a fortnight, at least. Lastly, the occupation of the mind should be of moderate extent, and sufli- ciently varied. Nothing determines so materially to the deterioration of the ner¬ vous system, and consequently, of the stamina of the frame, as excessive mental exertion, or inordinate anxiety and care ; cheerfulness should preside in the mental world. The harmony of the physical functions cannot be ensured independently of that tranquility of the spirit which the Christian is expected to preserve. But let us not be misunderstood in recommending the foregoing plain and easily realized instructions. Though particularly calculated to destroy, or at least, counteract the influence of the Asiatic cholera, either in a community, or an individual, yet it must be observed that these instructions are applicable to all epi¬ demic and infectious diseases. Now, though we may, and already are congratu¬ lating ourselves at the probably approaching cessation of the Eastern scourge, yet we have other pestilences not less absolutely fatal, harboured amongst us, whose causes are too evident. These are daily cutting otf one half of our infantile popu¬ lation by Scrofula, a tenth of our adults by Typhus, and generally, slowly produc¬ ing a degraded organization of the masses. We must, then, on no account, relax our studious attention to Sanitary regulations, but proceed permanently with the w'ork of physical reformation which has been so ably commenced by our Sanitary Reformers. The wateb-word should be, onward, onward ! ere those foul creations of man’s ignorance or carelessness—those fearful pestilences that have at all times loudly called us, but called iu vain, to a saving repentance, shall cease to plague the world. The Sanitary cause is however firmly planteil, and time and the favouring hand of Providence are alone necessary to spread its health-bearing roots far atnl wide throughout the land. A. G. MAl.COLM, M. 1). Bem'ast, Oct. 1, 1849. J. CEAllKE, PRINTEH, M A H K ET-TI. AC E, RONTON.

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