Observations upon Bulam, vomito-negro, or yellow fever, with a review of "A report upon the diseases of the African Coast by Sir William Burnett and Dr. Bryson', proving its highly contagious powers / By Sir William Pym.

  • Pym, William, Sir, 1772-1861.
Date:
1848
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations upon Bulam, vomito-negro, or yellow fever, with a review of "A report upon the diseases of the African Coast by Sir William Burnett and Dr. Bryson', proving its highly contagious powers / By Sir William Pym. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    wards went upon deck, and walked until two o’clock, to pre- vent its being supposed that he had resorted to any means to counteract its bad effects.” Tbis disgusting performance, and most revolting measure, is put down as a deliberate act of cool moral courage, and a decided proof of non-contagion. The same operation bas more than once been performed in America, as an experimentum crucis in the beat of controversy upon tbe subject of yellow fever. But it only establishes more strongly and decidedly the non-liability to a second attack of vomito-negro fever. Tbe same exhibition migbt be performed, during tbe pre- valence of smallpox, by an individual who has bad tbe disease, by swallowing a mess of dried pustules ! ït is not stated when Dr. M‘Kinnal was attacked by the disease ; but at p.52,c African Report,’ we hâve tbe following : “ it is to be regretted tbat in conséquence of the barassing duties and subséquent illness of tbe surgeon, be was unable to send in so full an account of tbe disease as could hâve been desired ; and the reporters are, in conséquence, under tbe necessity of having recourse to the c Médico-Chirurgical Review’ for tbeir information.” Dr. M‘William followed bis instructions most carefully and zealously, however unsatisfactory bis replies may hâve been to the Director-General, be stated tbe resuit of bis inquiries most bonestly, although contrary to bis originally preconceived opinions. Tbe evidence brougbt forward by him, must be thought sufficient to convince tbe world of the highly infectious nature of tbis most fatal fever : one individual, however, Sir W. Burnett, is an exception. In presenting the Report to the Lords of the Admiralty, he says—