Malaria : a neglected factor in the history of Greece and Rome / by W.H.S. Jones ; with an introduction by Sir R. Ross ; a concluding chapter by G.G. Ellett.

  • Jones, W. H. S. (William Henry Samuel), 1876-1963.
Date:
[1907]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Malaria : a neglected factor in the history of Greece and Rome / by W.H.S. Jones ; with an introduction by Sir R. Ross ; a concluding chapter by G.G. Ellett. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    CHAPTER III. MALARIA IN ANCIENT ITALY. The introduction of malaria into Italy is a more complicated question than its introduc- tion into Greece. The disease spread more slowly, because the natural features of Italy, except in a few parts, are not so adapted to the growth of the mosquito. The effect upon the national character was not so pro- found as in the case of Greece, the most noticeable change being the evolution of savage brutality from sternness or cruelty. Unfortu- nately also, the earliest evidence of the exist- ence of malaria is supported by no contem- porary medical testimony. In Greek literature the Hippocratic writings belong to the same epoch as the early allusions to malaria in non- medical authors ; but the first Roman physician to leave us a treatise is Celsus (fl. 50 a.d.), and malaria certainly existed in Italy long before that date. On the other hand, the modern inquirer is greatly helped by the many works on Italian malaria which have appeared within the last forty years. In spite of the