A Plain and Easie Method for Preserving (by God's Blessing) Those That Are Well from the Infection of the Plague

Or Any Contagious Distemper, in City, Camp, Fleet, Etc., and for Curing Such as Are Infected with It.

Thomas Willis

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN:
  9782528112014
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: 19th Century History

A Plain and Easie Method for Preserving (by God's Blessing) Those That Are Well from the Infection of the Plague Or Any Contagious Distemper, in City, Camp, Fleet, Etc., and for Curing Such as Are Infected with It is a practical and accessible medical treatise from the late 17th century, written by Gideon Harvey, M.D., Physician to His Majesty. This book was published in 1722, during a period when outbreaks of plague and other contagious diseases were a constant threat to public health in Europe. Harvey's work is notable for its straightforward, no-nonsense approach to both the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, making it a valuable resource for individuals, families, and communities seeking to protect themselves during times of epidemic. The book is divided into two main sections: the first focuses on methods for preserving the health of those not yet infected, while the second provides detailed instructions for treating those who have already contracted the disease. Harvey emphasizes the importance of cleanliness, proper diet, and the avoidance of crowded or unsanitary places as key strategies for preventing infection. He also discusses the use of various herbal remedies, fumigations, and other preventative measures, many of which reflect the medical knowledge and beliefs of his time. For those already afflicted, Harvey offers a range of treatments, including the use of specific medicinal compounds, bloodletting, and other therapeutic interventions. He provides step-by-step instructions for preparing and administering these remedies, making the book a practical manual for both laypeople and medical practitioners. Throughout, Harvey stresses the importance of faith and reliance on God's blessing, reflecting the deeply religious context in which the book was written. A Plain and Easie Method is not only a fascinating historical document but also a testament to the enduring human struggle against infectious disease. It offers insight into early modern medical practices, the social and religious attitudes of the time, and the ways in which communities sought to protect themselves in the face of deadly epidemics. For modern readers, the book provides a window into the challenges and ingenuity of those who lived through some of history's most devastating outbreaks.

Table of contents

• A Plain and Easie Method FOR Preserving [by God's Blessing] those that are WELL from the Infection of the PLAGUE, Or any Contagious Distemper, In CITY, CAMP, FLEET, &c. AND For Curing such as are Infected with it.
• TO THE READER.
• A Plain and Easie METHOD, &c.