SECT. I

METEOROLOGICAL REMARKS on the Climate and Atmosphere of JAMAICA

When the influence of the constitution of the air upon human bodies is duly considered, it will appear that this subject holds a very near connexion with what has just preceded. The study of diseases and symptoms, which derive their origin from this source, should undoubtedly claim attention from every physician, who wishes to trace the occult cause of a sudden popular sickness, and who, by due observance of the peculiar symptoms and maladies accompanying every change in the atmosphere, will be the better prepared and instructed to counteract their effects upon health.

I do not, however, take upon me to point out examples in Jamaica of this correspondence between the state of the air, and the symptoms of diseases; but only to publish some few observations, which I could not so well introduce in the former part of this work, where I gave a general description of the climate; and to exhibit a comparative view of it, with other places. For this purpose, I have principally selected Charles Town in South Carolina.

The greatest heat usually remarked in London, (I speak not of one or two singularly hot days) during the months of June, July, and August, is very little inferior to the general medium of heat observed at Spanish Town in Jamaica; yet this heat at Spanish Town is neither insalutary, nor inconvenient, so long as it is attended with moderately dry weather, and regular breezes.