James Tytler

First, let me say that I am by no means recommending this to anyone: it will be a very long and tedious read for any who don't have a special interest in the subjects covered. That said, let me list the reasons I am fascinated by this book (having read only to about the halfway mark).

1. It is a thorough and comprehensive look at the state of science, particularly medical knowledge, published in 1799. A very exhaustive review of the entire literature on theories of health and illness, disease and how it is generated and spread, the history of plagues and contagion, and so on, by a careful and thoughtful doctor.

2. For a reader of 18th and 19th century literature it casts light on medical issues that are present in these works, from the now seemingly bizarre treatments like laudanum (Anna Karenina) and bleeding, to the lack of understanding of how disease is transmitted (bad air and swamps in Treasure Island), lack of precaution in caring for sick people (in Little Women) and so on.

3. In light of the present Covid pandemic it's interesting to see how people have historically reacted to epidemics and plagues. Even in the absence of understanding of germ theory, from the earliest times people used quarantine and burning of the clothes and bedding of those who died. And people spread disease by circumventing quarantine for economic gain.

Just FYI, this book has been released by Project Gutenberg--all cleaned up and in modern formatting. Edited to add (April 2022): and now available for Kindle and Nook and Kobo formats from their respective companies.… (plus d'informations)