A treatise on the public health, climate, hygeine [sic], and prevailing diseases, of Bengal and the North-West Provinces / By Kenneth Mackinnon.

  • MacKinnon, Kenneth.
Date:
1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A treatise on the public health, climate, hygeine [sic], and prevailing diseases, of Bengal and the North-West Provinces / By Kenneth Mackinnon. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    PREFACE. After the eomposition of the following pagen, I submit them with some misgiving to the public, because I feel that without much practice in book- making, and with too little time at my disposal to insure the necessary conden- sation of style and subject, much imperfection will be found. I trust to some indulgence from my readers, on the score of the subjects I have discussed being very extensive, while the execution of my task has been subject to con- stant interruption from professional duties. It has been suggested to me by a friend that my remarks regarding public health and the sanatory regulations existing in this country are too freely spok- en, I cannot think so, for I describe things as they are; and it ought not to be displeasing to a great, just and benevolent Government to know the truth. It has been my object to shew that the po]mlation of the valley of the Ganges, (a region watered by innumerable rivers, and wonderfully rich in all the products that nature yields, and industry improves upon,) though amply supplied with the means of supporting existence, is subject to much dis- ease that depends upon causes which might easily be removed; and I have dwelt upon the topic with some solicitude and repetition, having the impres- sion on ray mind that it must be the wish (as it assuredly is the duty) of a civi- lized Government to improve the sanatory condition of its subjects, as far as doing so is compatible with its other obligations. One great movement is in progress, and its success fully justifies further experiment—I allude to the in- stitution of dispensaries. In the chapter on Hygeine I have endeavoured to write practically with reference to this climate, and I have dwelt in particular on the means likely to improve the health of the European soldier. Since the section on Barrack Hygeine was written, nearly a hundred of these noble fellows have fallen vic- tims to disease at this station, wlyle their officers and the native troops have re- mained healthy. It is to them, and to such as them, that England owes her conquest and her maintenance of this magnificent empire ; and it would surely be well if we could teach them the way to a higher point of respectability and happiness, and to the improved health which these would assuredly occasion.