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A SEQUEL TO THE ESSAY
merous instances produced solely by exhalations arising from the earthy or soil of the island of Edam ; and that not being the product of a contagious power, it did not manifest any such power in a single instance. To corroborate the preceding statement, I shall insert an extract from the Report of Mr. Niell on the Bulana Fever (No. 22), respecting the production of a fever similar to that which has been just described with black vomiting, &c. in another small island in the Indian Ocean, where, as at the island of Edam, it was impossible to suspect contagion, or any other cause of fever than exhalations from the earth, viz. “ In the year 1801, when Surgeon of a sloop of war going out on a secret service to the RedSea, after doubling the Cape of Good Hope in the best possible health, we arrived early in the month of April at Johanna, situated between Madagascar and the coast of Africa ; an island of great fertility, producing tropical fruits, vegetables, rice, &c. in wild luxuriancy. On our arrival at this delightful spot, as our stay was to be but short, every thing was instantly prepared for wooding, watering, and procuring fresh beef, vegetables, and fruit for our use ; and for the accomplishment of these various duties different parties were appointed, but none, except the watering party, composed of twelve individuals, slept, or remained on shore, during the night, while we remained at this island (seven days).
Soon after sailing, symptoms