cut short, or subdued; and that some of the most formidable diseases within the Tropics, such as fever, dysentery, and liver complaints, have become, at least, manageable, under the salutary directions of certain tropical writers.*

Yet, owing to the existence of certain long-established and pernicious regulations with regard to WASHING DECKS, and the sudden vicissitudes to which sailors are exposed in consequence, this class of men is rendered peculiarly liable to repeated attacks of inflammatory disease. And it is to be, moreover, lamented, that such diseases, even when subdued, have a strong tendency to weaken the constitution, and render the individual more liable to the invasions of chronic affections and consumption afterwards-the two great scourges of the British navy at the present day.t

It is with a view, therefore, of being the means of removing some of the existing causes

* See Dr. Wm. Burnett's (one of the Medical Commissioners) most excellent "Practical Account of the Mediterranean Fever;" see, also, Dr. James Johnson's Essay already mentioned, and Bampfield on Tropical Dysentery.

+ The principal part of the obituary of the royal navy, at present, takes place at our great naval hospitals, whither the men are usually sent with chronic disease or consumption, after having been frequently attacked, and worn down by the acute forms.

of such inflammatory complaints, that this Essay has been written; for every one will admit, that the prevention of disease (when it can be effected) is better than its cure.

Before finishing these proemial observations, I have to remark, by the way, that while the medical department of the royal navy has thus been making the most rapid march towards perfection, the advancement of naval discipline and naval tactics has not been less conspicuous in the executive.

Within these last ten years, corporal punishments have been reduced to a very limited extent, without any concomitant bad effect; and the cidevant customs of black-listing, black-holding, and burnishing of bolts, bars, and cannon-balls, have all been entirely exploded.

the

The young gentlemen who have lately entered

navy as midshipmen, have received a most appropriate education for the service, either at the Royal Naval College at Portsmouth, or elsewhere, which not only renders them more eligible at their entry, but, also, furnishes them with a store of elementary information, which may be turned to the advancement of nautical science hereafter.

The theory of gunnery is now much better understood among sailors than it was formerly;

and the practice of fencing, lately introduced into the Royal Marine Corps, has rendered them a most formidable body of men.

Furthermore, clothing has been better suited to the different climates; and pensions for wounds or servitude have been granted to seamen, regulated by the most liberal principles. Thus, it is most gratifying to observe how the health and interest of British seamen have lately been promoted by their generous countrymen, in a strong feeling of attachment, accompanied by pecuniary rewards for past services. Is there a Briton who can for a moment forget the blessings that have been enjoyed for centuries, under the safeguard of our brave tars?—and who can look with apathy on a class of men to whom we are indebted for our riches and commerce in war and peace, and who are our only safe and permanent bulwark in the trying hour of invading hostility? Can we neglect a body of men whose energy increases with the raving of the storm, and whose constant practice and highest pride is to shew the greatest dexterity in the most imminent danger? Never shall we abandon the brave tar who mounts with alacrity on the quivering shroud, when

"O'er his head the rolling billows sweep."

Besides, our gallant "sons of the waves" have not been less celebrated in human than "elemental war;" for, when the united powers of Europe were in league against us, British seamen most undauntedly stood forward to wield our naval thunderbolts, and hurl destruction on our most malignant enemies; then, the victorious peals of our artillery resounded from one extremity of the globe to the other-then, the British flag, triumphant, waved her red lion o'er all watery space.

But, alas! good and glorious actions are soon forgotten, or swept away in the current of passing events, inasmuch as this humorous and thoughtless class of men are too often seen in the most unfavourable point of view, spending their holydays on shore; when they commonly indulge in drinking, and make use of loose and indecorous language, leaving the very worst impression on the mind of the public, respecting their general character, and rendering themselves an easier prey to a gang of harpies, who lurk in all our sea-ports.

British seamen, however, are a class of men to whom any general character may be given by their superiors, from the very best to the very worst. They have long and justly been esteemed for a disinterested generosity toward

C

others in distress; and self-interest and personal safety have always been thrown aside, when wanted by their country.

"Alike to him each climate and each blast,

"The first in danger, in retreat the last.”

In concluding these introductory observations, I think it proper to remark, that no particular ship or officer has been kept in view; but a fair and general statement of the evil has been attempted to be given, and its concomitant bad effects pointed out.

It is, therefore, against the system of washing decks, I have to enter my most solemn protest, hoping my humble efforts may call the attention of the scientific world to a fuller investigation of the subject, and that the opinions here set forth may stand or fall according to their merits.