_Take a large tub, (a butt sawed in two) in which place a stool,
or something to sit on; Then let the patient be stript naked and
seated in the tub; pour into the bottom of the vessel about one
gallon of good vinegar; put a blanket all over the patient, and
the tub, so that the whole is covered like a hut. Then heat a
large poker; which put into the vinegar in order to rise a
steam; which continue for about a quarter, or half an hour, or
longer, according to the circumstances._
If the patient is very scorbutic, it should be repeated three times a
day, or even oftener, for the effect of this steam-bath is so powerful,
that I have with pleasure seen the patient when not able to crawl to the
tub; he has been so revived by the operation, as to come out of his own
accord quite refreshed.
In the mean time the elixir of iron as is described No. XXVIII. should
be taken; the mouth often washed with vinegar, lemon juice, or rather
with the elixir of the iron, and sugar, should be both plentifully used
in the drink, and with the victuals.
Salt provisions should be avoided as much as possible, or else
previously well deprived of its salt.
By this method the scurvy may not only be prevented at sea, but even
cured in the most inveterate degree.
If however there is an opportunity for the patient to come on shore, it
will greatly facilitate his cure; though he should reap no other benefit
than the exhalations of the earth in the warmth of the day: and I have
with astonishment seen patients devour vegetables in large quantities,
and mended surprizingly, even in a few hours; so powerful an antidote is
the vegetable effluvia to an animal putrescency.
To conclude, I have only this to observe, that the scurvy is principally
owing to defaults with respect to provisions, and the customary way of
living in ships in general; and such as might be much amended, both with
respect to conveniency, wholesomeness, and expence.
I speak this from long experience, from the many observations I have
made, and the good success that have attended my improvements, when it
has been in my power to put them in execution. I have many things to
offer with respect to provisions at sea; but as that is too extensive to
be inserted in this volume, I shall treat of it distinctly. In the mean
time give me leave to close these lectures: and being conscious that
truth and utility has guided my endeavours through the whole, I lay down
my pen for this time, with the pleasing reflection, that I have advanced
one step farther in the performance of my duty, and in answering the end
of my existence.