The Journals & Notebook of
 Nathan Bangs 1805-1806, 1817

 

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Nathan Bangs on Ague
Stevens 142-3

"Perhaps no part of our country was more subject to fever and ague, or 'Lake Fever,' as it was called, than that along the River Thames. It was occasioned by the stagnant swamps which lie a little distance from the river on each side, and the unwholesomeness of the water which the people are obliged to use. The fever began to rage in September, and, during its progress, in almost every family less or more were sick; and in some instances, every member of the family was prostrated at the same time.  When I first visited a house I was usually presented with a whisky bottle, and urged to partake of it as a preservative against the fever; but I declined the beverage, and told them I would drink water and tea, and we would see who should have the better health.  Though the fever raged so that I could scarcely visit a family without seeing more or less sick, I constantly traveled the country in health until seized with the disease, but by timely remedies I escaped with but two or three paroxysms. This is mentioned to show the mistaken notion of many people, who suppose the use of ardent spirits is a preventive of epidemic diseases.  It is believed that it induced them in nine cases out of ten instead of preventing them."

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Edited by Scott McLaren
Book History Practicum
University of Toronto