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16. Dr. Donald Monro, who is a strenuous advocate for warm garments, says, that a woollen stock or neckcloth, with a flannel waistcoat, and worsted gloves, may be purchased for about half-a-crown per man; and would contribute to preserve the lives of many; whereas, the expense of medicines and recruiting will greatly exceed the price of these articles *. Dr. Blane and Captain Caldwell have likewise insisted on the advantage of warm clothing, considered in an economical point of view. Humanity and sound policy, therefore, conspire to recommend the general use of woollen garments for British soldiers, at least during an encampment..

17. I cannot conclude this section better than by noticing what has been said more recently, relative to warm clothing in the West Indies. "I remember," says Dr. ROLLO, "it was remarked, that the guard of the 67th regiment in Grenada had always fewer men than any other falling sick; and this appeared to arise from each man having been obliged to have on a flannel waistcoat next his skin,

* See his Observations on the Means of preserving the Health of Soldiers, vol. i. part i. sect. 2.

and worsted socks on his feet. The sentinel is apt to lay aside his great coat, which should never be allowed. Here also much benefit would be derived, by the men mounting guard in the evening in place of the morning. In these situations the use of the great coat ought to be positively enjoined, likewise the flannel waistcoat or shirt next the skin, and the socks or worsted stockings."

18. General MAITLAND'S observations are even still more pertinent and explicit. See the extract already given at page 85, on the utility of wearing flannel.

7. OF INTEMPERATE WEATHER.

I

1. THE employment of a soldier obliges him to be abroad at all seasons. Habit therefore inures him to many changes which to others would be fatal: but there are precautions to be taken against unhealthy seasons, or situations, of which it behoves him not to be ignorant. The effects produced by the

weather on living bodies, principally depend on its degree of heat or cold. Experience, however, has shewn that health may be preserved even during considerable extremities. of heat or of cold, provided the weather be dry. The combination of heat or cold, with moisture, is the chief source of disease.

noon.

2. During great degrees of heat, officers should endeavour to get the marches or military manoeuvres over early, long before Where that is impossible, men will find considerable protection from the rays of the sun by introducing a folded handkerchief between the hat and head: the same con trivance placed between the shoulders, or upon the breast, produces a great degree of coolness, not only by absorbing the perspi ration, but by producing a cavity through which the air circulates freely; and it is a much safer practice than throwing open the breast.

3. When over-heated, it is extremely dangerous to lie down in the shade; and still more so to drink largely of cold water, as will hereafter be explained. Those men stand heat the best, who drink the least. Thirst may often be allayed by washing the mouth

with a little water, especially if it be acidulated with lemon-juice, without swallowing any of it. But, above all, let every man who values his health avoid drinking ardent spirits when heated; that is adding fuel to fire, and is apt to produce the most dangerous inflammatory complaints. Sometimes, indeed, if a person passes from extreme heat and fatigue to absolute rest, which ought always to be avoided, a very small quantity of spirits taken into the stomach will prevent the bad consequences which might arise from cooling too suddenly; but it should be taken with great caution.

4. In this country the heat of the sun is rarely so powerful as to produce what the French term a coup de soleil, or stroke of the sun; which in warmer climates is the frequent effect of great exertion during intense heat; but even in England some degree of drowsiness and headach will occasionally be produced by these causes, especially if the person exposed to them be in a state of intoxication. The remedies against these complaints, are bleeding, immersing the feet and legs in warm water, and the application of cloths dipped in cold water to the head. When a head.

ach, thirst, or any uneasy feeling, arises from exposure to the sun, it may be generally removed by rest in the shade; by abstaining from vinous and spirituous liquors; and by the free use of lemonade, cream of tartar and water, the juice of oranges, or cold infusions of tamarinds. If, however, any of these complaints continue more than twelve hours, gentle evacuation, if not effected by the preceding drinks, will be necessary; and that may be procured by a small quantity of Glauber salt.

It is also extremely hazardous to sleep exposed to the noon-day rays of a scorching sun; and especially if the ground be moist at the same time.

5. The air of the night, after a very hot day, is often agreeably cold. It is, however, very dangerous to yield to the pleasing freshness which is produced by being exposed to it. Those who are obliged to be abroad should always use some additional clothing, at least a flannel waistcoat; and in damp weather they may fortify themselves by a small quantity of ardent spirits, or a draught of strong ginger tea, to which might be added some garlic or Peruvian bark.

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