Further observations on that portion of the second report on quarantine by the General Board of Health, which relates to the yellow fever epidemy on board H.M.S. Eclair, and at Boa Vista in the Cape de Verde Islands / by J.O. M'William.

  • MacWilliam, John Ormiston, 1808-1862.
Date:
1852
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Further observations on that portion of the second report on quarantine by the General Board of Health, which relates to the yellow fever epidemy on board H.M.S. Eclair, and at Boa Vista in the Cape de Verde Islands / by J.O. M'William. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    one attack of yellow fever does give, like small-pox, immu- nity from a second attack, except in very rare instances. And the other member (Dr. Burrell) is of opinion, that an attack of yellow or Bulam fever, like length of residence, enables the constitution to resist, to a considerable extent, a recurrence of fever in the same form, but gives little or no protection against what he considers other forms of the same disease, or those which attack the acclimated.” As regards the third question,— “ The President and two members (Dr. Spence and Mr. Pilleau) are of opinion, that yellow or Bulam fever has fre- quently manifested a contagious power ; and that on many occasions the contagious power, if in existence, could not be detected by the most careful observation. One member (Mr. Millar) is of opinion, that yellow or Bulam fever is a con- tagious disease. And the other member (Dr. Burrell) con- siders, that nothing sufficient has been adduced before this Board to determine affirmatively a question of so much importance to humanity and science; and believes the yellow fever to be absolutely and universally non-conta- gious.” As regards the fourth point,— “ The President and three members (Dr. Spence, Mr. Millar, and Mr. Pilleau) are of opinion, that yellow or Bulam fever is capable of being imported. The other member (Dr Burrell) is of opinion, that yellow or Bulam fever is not capable of being imported.” (Signed by the President and Members.) [The above contains the substance of the proceedings of the Board.] On the 31st December, 1850, the Royal College of Phy- sicians of London delivered a Report to the Lords of Her Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council, respecting the Bulam, or yellow fever, which had been dra^n up by the President and Fellows of the College in consequence of a communication from their Lordships. The points investigated by the College were as follow: — “1. As to the Bulam fever being sui generis, and distinct from remittent or the marsh fever of warm climates. “ 2. As to its being an infectious disease; that is, com- municable from person to person, and likewise capable of being imported.