upon our Labours.

I am, &c.

We may observe, that the Contagion now spreading it self in Foreign Parts, has nearly the same Symptoms that were observ’d in the late Plague at London; so that what Medicines were then used with good Success, may direct not only the People of England in the way of Practice, if God Almighty should please to afflict us with that dreadful Distemper, but be serviceable likewise to the Infected Places abroad. There is room enough to hope, the approaching Cold, which we naturally expect at this Season, may prevent its spreading amongst us for some Months, ’till the Air begins to warm, but the Seeds of that Venom may be brought over in Merchandizes even in the coldest Months, and according to the Nature of Insects will not hatch, or appear to our Prejudice, ’till the hotter Seasons. For to suppose this Malignant Distemper is occasion’d by Vapours only arising from the Earth, is to lay aside our Reason, as I think I have already shewn in my New Improvements of Planting, &c. to which my Reader may refer.

I suppose there may be such Persons in the World who do not agree with the Hypothesis I have laid down in the following Sheets, altho’ many Learned Authors have supported it; and again, I expect others to Except against the Concise way I have taken, in writing upon a Subject, which at this time ought to be set in the plainest Light; but as I found the Danger of Pestilence spreading it self more and more every Day, a true Lover of his Country could not be easie without giving the Publick some Hints to prevent its dismal Effects, and at the same time to engage the Learned to write upon such an Occasion.

And it is with Pleasure I observe, that since the former Editions of this small Tract has been made publick, our Learned Physicians are dispos’d to consider the necessary Means to prevent (as far as in them lies) the spreading of this Calamity, and justly deserve the favour of the Publick.

For my own part, I can only say, that the short time I had to put this Work together, would not allow me to give it with that exactness, that I would have done, if I could have had more Leisure.

THE

PLAGUE

AT

MARSEILLES

CONSIDER’D, &c.

he Deplorable Condition of the Marseillians, and the Danger that all the Trading Parts of Europe are now in, of being Infected by the Plague which rages in the South Parts of France, and every Day spreads it self more and more over the Neighbouring Countries, gives me occasion to Publish some Papers which would never have otherwise appeared in the World.

When I consider the melancholy Circumstances of the People at Marseilles and other infected Places, how they are now divested of Relief, and brought into that miserable State, that even every Man is terrified at the Approach of his dearest Friend, and the very Aspect of our Neighbours strike such Horror and Confusion in us, as if they brought our Death and Destruction with them; it is then surely time for every one to contribute all that in him lies to prevent the Progress of so direful a Calamity.

The good Counsels of our Nation, therefore, to prevent as much as possible the Infection which might be brought among us by Merchandizes coming from Infected Places, have wisely order’d strict Quarentine to be perform’d, before either the Sailors or Goods can be brought ashoar.

The Neighbouring Nations of Trade, have follow’d our Example, but the Hollanders in an extraordinary manner, have even order’d the Burning the very Ships and Goods coming from Marseilles, and have been so cautious, as to suffer none of the Passengers to come on Shoar, without first being dis-rob’d of all their Apparel, and even to be well wash’d with Sea Water, and then likewise to perform Quarentine in a little Island, remote from the Inhabitants. I could mention many Relations we have had, of the Sufferings of the poor People belonging to Marseilles, who to avoid the dismal Consequence of the Plague, have flown for Refuge into the Country, and have either been starv’d to Death, or Murder’d by the Country People; but yet we find, that notwithstanding all these Precautions, that Pestilence continues to destroy as much as ever, and makes it Advances every Day more towards us.

It is computed, that about 60000 are Dead of the Plague at Marseilles; and that there are now (October 20. N. S.) above 14000, Persons left in that Town, including 10000 Sick; and at Aubagne, out of 10000 who retir’d thither from Marseilles, above 9000 are Dead.

On this sad Occasion of the Ruin of Marseilles especially since there is talk of Burning that Town, it may not be unseasonable to give an Account of it.