The naval surgeon; comprising the entire duties of professional men at sea. To which are subjoined, a system of naval surgery, and a compendious pharmacopoeia / [William Turnbull].

  • Turnbull, William, active 1779-1806
Date:
1806
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The naval surgeon; comprising the entire duties of professional men at sea. To which are subjoined, a system of naval surgery, and a compendious pharmacopoeia / [William Turnbull]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    in serious consequences, when carried too far. It is not to be denied, at the same time, that, ■ though these temporary intervals of ease and in- activity occur, yet a sea life in general is one of vio- lent exertion, and that the common duties of the ship expose the men to much fatigue, from the uncertainty of the weather, and other incidences. These duties also require for the most part, sud- den and violent exertions, which are more severe on the constitution than continued moderate ones. Hence seamen are in general short-lived, anil their countenance and appearance bear the marks of age, before they really attain it. This is most remarkable when a seaman has passed the age of forty, at which time of life any one, judg- ing from his appearance, will consider him ten years older than he really is. These violent exertions, or over fatigues, are frequently the cause of introducing disease, particularly fevers of the low kind, attended with much dejection of spirits ; and hence it should be the care of the commander to prevent, with a religious atten- tion, all unnecessary labour, and shew as much tenderness to his men in this respect as is con- sistent with the unavoidable duties of the service. & This caution is highly proper to young officers, who are too apt to forget themselves, and ready to call all hands wantonly, and oblige them to exert themselves without any necessity. Though «aik>rs