Chapter V: Part II (1)

OBSERVATIONS on the Epidemical Diseases in the City of _Aleppo_.

CHAP. I.

_Observations on the WEATHER in General._

The weather at _Aleppo_ differing but very little in any one year from another, I thought it would save a great deal of unnecessary trouble, if I gave a general account of the weather usual in every month, drawn from a meteorological register, regularly kept, with only few intermissions, for about ten years, and afterwards noted what was particular.

The barometer used in the following observations was _English_, and graduated according to the measure of that country. The first column denotes inches, the second 10ths of an inch.

The thermometers, (for, from accidents of breaking, several were used) except for the last two years, were small portable ones, graduated according to _Farenheit_’s scale; the other was larger, upon the same scale. All of them were of mercury, and (as well as the barometer) made by the accurate Mr. _Bird_ in _London_.

The situation of the instruments for the years 1743, 44, 45, and those of 52 and 53, was in a little wooden _kiosk_[486], facing the east, which projected over a narrow street that run south and north, with high buildings on each side. The sun had only access by the south-window, and that scarce an hour in the day. To this place there was a free ingress of air, the two opposite windows, and often the whole, being constantly open from the month of _April_ till the latter end of _October_; and in the winter, though these windows were shut, a free access still remained by the door, and a window which opened into a passage fronting the west, the outer door of which in the day-time was always open. Add to this, that these wooden kiosks have not either their wood-work, or numerous windows, so well closed as to prevent a pretty considerable communication with the external air through the chinks.

This is the situation which appears to be much preferable to any other, and from which the general account of the weather is taken. But a multiplicity of practice rendering it impossible for me to keep the register, I was obliged to a friend, who was so kind as to take that trouble for me; and then the thermometer was placed in a vaulted south-room, which was defended from the west by two other rooms, and opposite to the window a door opened into a large vaulted hall. In the winter (particularly the forenoon) this was frequently open, and in the summer-months was shut only by a door made of lattice-work, the window being open all that season. In this country the rooms so situated are remarkably warm in winter, and cool in summer.

In this last position the thermometer must be understood to be kept from _July_ 1746 till the end of 1747. Both these situations being within doors, were some degrees warmer than the external air in winter, as would appear from the thermometer never sinking to the freezing point even in time of frost; and they are cooler than the external air in summer, as I have found by several trials. These things were necessary to be premised, as they may account for the variations in the instrument, that are remarkable in the different situations.

_JANUARY._

The weather in _January_ is commonly either frosty or rainy. What snow falls is chiefly in this month; but it is in no great quantity, and does not lie many hours. The middle of the month is its most usual time of falling, and then it often remains frosty till the end.

Whenever rain falls, it is usually in the night, and in very heavy showers.

The winds are moderate, and mostly from the northern or eastern quarter.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 57 Greatest 29 3 Greatest variation of therm.
Least 34 Least 28 6 in one day, 4 deg.

The most common height of the thermometer at nine in the morning is 40 and 46, and the difference between that and three in the afternoon a gradual rise of 3 or 4 deg. In rainy days, or even such as are cloudy, this variation seldom exceeds 1 or 2 deg. and often there is none at all; and this observation holds through all the year.

_FEBRUARY._

This month is for the most part as rainy as the former; with this difference, that neither rain nor fair weather continue so many days together, but change from one to the other every four or five days. A little snow often falls in this month, and commonly there are a few frosty days. It is very often cloudy, though no rain falls, particularly in the afternoon; but they are light, white clouds. At such times the air without doors is moderately warm. The winds are much as in the preceding month, till towards the end, and then it sometimes blows hard westerly.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 55 Greatest 29 3 Greatest difference of therm.
Least 40 Least 28 4 in one day, 8 deg.

The first fortnight, the usual morning-height of the thermometer is from 42 to 47; the variation between the morning and evening observation, 1, 2, or 3 deg. In the last fortnight, when there happens no frost, it gradually rises to about 50, and the difference between morning and evening commonly 4 or 5.

_MARCH._

A good deal of rain falls in the month of _March_; but it is generally in short, hard showers, and often accompanied with thunder. At such times the weather is dark and gloomy; but for the greater part it is clear, only a few white light clouds. The weather begins to be hot in the open air.

The winds are stronger than in the preceding months, and blow much oftener westerly.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 67 Greatest 29 Difference in the thermometer
Least 44 Least 28 6 in one day, 9 deg.

The common height of the thermometer in the morning is in the beginning of the month as in the end of the last; about the middle, 52; the end, 56 to 58. The difference between morning and evening observations become more considerable as the month advances; in the beginning, commonly 5; the end, 8 to 9. If it rains, the variation is very inconsiderable, as has been mentioned before.

_APRIL._

This month is in general fair, clear weather, with white, light clouds in the afternoon; seldom dark or cloudy, except when it rains, which it does in hard thunder-showers as in the last month, but not so often. There are commonly a few close, hazey days; these happen when there are light breezes northerly or easterly; but the winds in general are fresh westerly.

The days begin to grow very hot, but the mornings and evenings as yet remain cool.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 82 Greatest 29 1 Difference in the thermometer
Least 51 Least 28 5 in one day, 10 deg.

The mercury in the thermometer has its morning-station gradually raised from 60 to 66 as the month advances, and the variation 8 to 10 between the morning and evening observation, except when it rains.

_MAY._

_May_ has generally one or two hard showers of rain, sometimes accompanied with hail, and often thunder; at others, the weather is serene, with very few clouds, and those light and white.

The weather begins to grow very warm in this month, particularly when calm, or the wind northerly or easterly; but the wind for much the greater part is fresh, and westerly. And here it will not be amiss to observe, that, during the whole of the summer, the westerly winds have a considerable influence over the thermometer. When they are weak, the heat encreases; if calm, it becomes still hotter; but even then not so hot as when a northerly or easterly wind blows, which raises the mercury several degrees, and makes the air very disagreeable. _See_ p. 14.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 92 Greatest 29 Greatest variation of the
Least 67 Least 28 6 therm. in one day, 10 deg.

The usual station of the mercury in the thermometer is at the beginning 70, and it gradually rises, as the month advances, to 76 or 80. The variation between the morning and evening observation rises also from 6 to 9.

_JUNE._

This month is serene throughout, seldom so much as a few flying clouds to be seen. It is very rare that even so much as one shower of rain falls, and that at most but for a few minutes.

The westerly winds reign chiefly in this month; and freshening after mid-day, often continue through the night, which allay the extreme heat, now become very troublesome.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 96 Greatest 29 Greatest variation of therm.
Least 76 Least 28 5 in one day, 12 deg.

The morning-height of the mercury, at seven o’clock, gradually encreases with the month, from 76 to about 80; as that of the afternoon, at four o’clock, does from 84 to 92.

_JULY._

_July_ differs very little from the former month; the weather constantly serene.

The westerly winds usually blow fresh; but, if they fail, it becomes excessive hot.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 101 Greatest 28 9 Greatest variation of therm.
Least 77 Least 28 5 in one day, 11 deg.

Eighty, is the common height of the mercury, in the morning, at the beginning of the month, as 85, 86 is at the end. The difference between the morning and evening observation, 8 or 10.

_AUGUST._

Till about the 20th, _August_ is exactly like the two preceding months: from that to the end, there usually appear a number of white clouds, but larger than any that accidentally appear in other summer-months. These are commonly termed the _Nile clouds_; and from this time, the dews (which are scarce ever observed in the two preceding months) begin to fall in the nights; but they are not very considerable.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 97 Greatest 29 Greatest variation in the
Least 74 Least 28 4 therm. in one day, 10 deg.

The height of the thermometer, till the clouds appear, is pretty much the same as in that of last month; but, whenever they come, they commonly sink it 4 or 5 degrees.

_SEPTEMBER._

For the first fortnight this month is like the former, or rather more sultry, as the wind seldom blows strong. If no rain falls, this weather continues all the month; but usually between the 15th and 25th dark, gloomy clouds arise; and a squal, in the nature of a whirlwind, blows from the westward, bringing with it a great cloud of dust that covers the whole city. This prognosticates rain, and in one or two days more some heavy showers fall, either in the city, or not far off. These are called the first rains; and though they are usually inconsiderable, yet the air is much cooled, and the remainder of the month rendered very pleasant.

Seldom a night passes without much lightening in the north-west quarter, but not attended by thunder. When this lightening appears in the west or south-west points, it is a sure sign of the approaching rain, which is often followed by thunder.

The winds in _September_ are westerly, but often not more than light breezes.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 92 Greatest 29 Greatest difference of the
Least 62 Least 28 6 therm. in one day, 12 deg.

In the beginning of this month, the usual morning-height of the thermometer is much as in the end of _August_; the variation between the morning and evening observation rather more considerable. The falling of rain sinks it 3 or 4 degrees, and it usually keeps falling all the month till it gets to 65. The variation in one day seldom then, exceeds 3 or 4, and just at the falling of the rain much less, perhaps 1 or 2.

_OCTOBER._

Till the second rains fall in _October_, the weather is serene, cool, and rather more pleasant than at any other time of the year; afterwards it becomes more variable. These rains are usually regulated by those in _September_, being between twenty and thirty days after them; and, like them also, the quantity varies considerably in different years. However, those of _October_ are seldom less than three or four days; but it must not be understood that it continues a constant rain during the whole of those days.

The winds are rarely strong in this month, but are commonly variable.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 84 Greatest 29 Greatest difference of the
Least 51 Least 28 6 therm. in one day, 10 deg.

The morning-height of the thermometer, till the rains fall, is usually about 72; the difference between the morning and evening observation, 5 or 6. After the falling of the rains it gradually sinks to 60. The variation then in one day is seldom more than 3 or 4, on the rainy days commonly less.

_NOVEMBER._

_November_ may be reckoned one of the rainy months, though frequently there is an interval of very fine weather. The number of rainy days rarely exceed seven or eight, and most of them only a few heavy showers. It is unusual to see snow fall in this month; but after the first fortnight it is generally frosty in the morning when the weather is serene.

The winds are variable, seldom strong, but more inclined to the north and east than any of the other quarters.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 65 Greatest 29 1 Greatest variation of the
Least 44 Least 28 4 therm. in one day, 8 deg.

As the month advances, the mercury in the thermometer gradually falls from 60 to 50; the former being its usual morning-height at the beginning, as the latter is at the end. The variation in one day, from 5 to 2; but on rainy days there is very often no variation at all.

_DECEMBER._

This is usually a rainy month, and much more cloudy, foggy weather in the intervals than in the preceding, consequently not near so agreeable. The greatest number of rainy days mentioned in the register is 16, the fewest 6, commonly 8 or 9.

There is always more or less frosty weather in this month, and frequently a little snow. This falls out commonly after or about the end of the first fortnight, and with it commences the cold weather.

The winds are, as in the preceding month, commonly easterly or northerly, and seldom strong.

Therm. Barom.
Greatest height 55 Greatest 29 1 Greatest difference of the
Least 40 Least 28 4 therm. in one day, 5 deg.

Forty-six is the common height of the thermometer through this month. The difference between the morning and evening observation, when it does not rain, is often 3.

CHAP. II.

_Of the WEATHER from the Year 1742 to 1747, and of the Years 1752 and 1753._

_A. D._ MDCCXLII.

The winter of this year was more severe than usual in this country, and much less rain in _March_ and _April_ than is customary at that season.

About the end of _April_ the weather became very warm, and continued so till the 20th of _May_; from which time, till the 22d of _June_, it grew rather cool for the season of the year, the air being refreshed by strong westerly breezes.

The 22d of _June_, the wind changed to north-west, and was very moderate; upon which the weather became exceeding hot, and continued so all that month, and for the first ten days in _July_. The remainder of the summer was such as is common in this country, without any of the hot easterly winds.

On the 25th of _September_ the first rains fell, and continued only one day; after which the weather was extremely pleasant till the end of _October_; when the second rains fell, and continued a few days. Upon their ceasing, it set in fair and serene till the 14th of _December_; when a small shock of an earthquake was felt, and a hard frost began, which continued all that month.

For want of proper instruments, the changes of heat and cold this year are here represented according to what they appeared to our senses.

_A. D._ MDCCXLIII.

From the beginning of _January_ till the middle, a great deal of snow fell, the frost continued, and the air was exceeding cold; the thermometer being but once above 40 in the evening, and in the morning commonly 36, once 34, on the third at 9, A. M. A few days of fair, pleasant weather succeeded this cold, and then began violent rains, which continued during the remainder of the month.

The rains were almost constant till the 20th of _February_; the latter part of which month was fair, pleasant weather.

_March_ set in with variable spring-weather, (though somewhat cooler than usual), which continued till the 23d; from which time till the end a great quantity of rain, hail, and thunder.

_April_ was fair (except one thunder-shower) till the 19th; during which the weather was pretty warm, with a sort of haziness in the air. The 20th and 21st, it blew very hard from the south-west, with much rain, and the weather became unusually cool for the season. The mercury in the thermometer, which had before commonly rose to 74 in the afternoon, seldom afterwards getting up so high as 66 during the whole month, which was attended with a good deal of rain and thunder, some hail, and the wind generally fresh westerly.

_May_ (except on the 13th and 23d, when some severe thunder-showers fell) was fair, pleasant weather, and much cooler than usual. The thermometer was unfortunately broke this month; so that from this time till _May_ following, the observations were made by a large thermometer, filled with spirits, which showed distinctly the changes of heat and cold, but was not upon any known scale.

The beginning of _June_ was fair and cool weather for the season. On the 10th it began to be hot; and, notwithstanding strong westerly winds, and often flying clouds, the air was very hot during the rest of the month. On the 12th, at 8 P. M. were felt two small shocks of an earthquake. The sky was at that time serene, and it blew fresh.

On the night between the 1st and 2d of _July_, some severe thunder-showers fell; a thing very extraordinary at this season. During the whole of the month, the westerly wind blew fresh, and generally continued great part of the night, by which means the air was rendered remarkably cool.

This chill weather continued a few days in _August_; but the remainder of that month, the winds, though westerly, being moderate, and ceasing a little after sunset, together with its succeeding such cool weather, made it seem uncommonly warm, though from the thermometer it appeared that the heat was not in reality greater than in other years. On the 19th, at half an hour after eleven o’clock at night, was felt a small shock of an earthquake. The sky was at that time serene, and little wind stirring.

The beginning of _September_ was hot, as in _August_; but on the 10th it became sultry, particularly in the night, and continued so till the 18th at night, when the first rains began to fall; and though they were but moderate, they rendered the remainder of the month quite cool.

Though it rained a little on the 8th of _October_, and continued cloudy for several days; yet the second rains did not, properly speaking, fall till the 23d, when they were plentiful, and continued three days. The remainder of that month, and all the rest of the year, afforded nothing remarkable.

_A. D._ MDCCXLIV.

The snow which fell on the 5th of _January_ lay six inches deep, and continued for several days in places shaded from the sun; which is not usual in this country; the quantity that fell in this month was likewise somewhat extraordinary.

_February_ and _March_ had nothing in them different from other years.

_April_ was more rainy than customary. On the 28th, at half an hour after one in the morning, were two pretty brisk shocks of an earthquake, and at six in the evening another.

_May_ and _July_ were as usual in a moderate summer; but _June_ had more northerly winds, and was hotter than common; the usual height of the thermometer being 95.

From the first week in _August_, several days of easterly winds rendered the air unusually hot, which by a very singular, though but small, shower of rain on the 30th, was cooled for a few days; the thermometer, P. M. falling from 92 to 83.

The first rains were ushered in by the accustomed squall of wind on the 4th of _September_ at night, and were violent for a few hours, but did not cool the air. On the 20th and 22d, one shower of rain fell, and rendered it more cool; and the plentiful rain on the evening of the 23d, and greatest part of the day on the 24th, completed it.

On the 16th of _October_, at night, the second rains fell, with a good deal of thunder, and on the 19th some more; after which the rest of the year afforded nothing that was remarkable.

_A. D._ MDCCXLV.

This year had nothing uncommon in the weather till the 12th of _March_, when it became cold; and an unusual frost, with, a north-east wind for a few days, nipped most of the blossoms on the trees; the mercury in the thermometer after noon being rarely above 54, whereas before it was at 62.

_April_ was remarkably dry, having but one shower of rain, on the 6th. _May_ and _June_ had nothing extraordinary.

_July_, except a few days at the latter end, and all _August_, not being refreshed with the westerly breezes, and having several days of easterly wind, particularly the middle of _August_, were extremely hot; the afternoons height of the thermometer being often 100, and twice 101.

The first rains were very moderate, and fell on the 10th _September_, being as usual preceded by a squal of wind. The second rains fell heavy and seasonable, about the middle of _October_; from which time happened nothing singular all the rest of the year.

_A. D._ MDCCXLVI.

The 4th, 5th, and 6th of _January_ this year, it snowed almost continually; so that it lay in the streets above a foot thick, which is very uncommon. It was not all thaw’d in the city for some days; and in such places abroad where the sun-beams did not reach, there was still some lying on the 13th. From this time till _June_ the weather was as usual.

It began to blow very hard westerly on the 13th _June_, and the wind brought along with it many clouds, which let fall two small showers of rain on the 14th, one at 10 A. M. the other at 7 P. M. which sunk the mercury in the thermometer from 84, its usual afternoon’s height, to 76 three fourths.

_August_ had none of the usual cloudy weather; yet the rest of the summer had nothing in it particular.

Though it began to be cloudy on the 4th of _September_, and continued so for a few days, and even thundered; yet no rain fell till the 11th in the afternoon, and then only a gentle shower of about an hour, which sunk the thermometer from 82 and an half, its common afternoon’s height, to 77. It soon however rose again; and the wind being easterly or northerly from the 20th to the end of the month, the weather was unusually warm; the afternoon height of the mercury being 85 or 86.

In the month of _October_ there fell but one shower of rain, the 25th P. M. so that the thermometer kept high all the month, and the weather was extremely pleasant.

On the 2d and 3d of _November_ the rains fell plentifully; and, through the whole of this and the succeeding month, more fell than is usual in other years. There did not happen either frost or snow.

_A. D._ MDCCXLVII.

From the beginning of _January_ till the end of _March_, the winds were much higher than usual at that season, neither was there any frost or snow; but more rain fell in _January_ and _February_ than is common, and the weather in general was bleak and unpleasant. The rest of the year till _September_ was mild, and very moderate.

Though it was cloudy, and threatened rain about the 20th of _September_, yet none fell in this month at _Aleppo_; so the thermometer’s evenings height kept up at 82 till the end of the month.

The whole of _October_ was clear and settled weather, except one thunder-shower on the 13th, (which sunk the mercury in the thermometer from 81 to 73) a small shower on the 22d, and a gentle rain the whole of the 24th.

On the 7th of _November_ the rains began to fall plentifully, the weather became as in other years, but there was no frost in this month.

_December_ was rather more foggy than common, without either frost or snow.

Being, for want of leisure, prevented from giving a particular account of the epidemic diseases from 1748 to 1751, that of the weather is also omitted.

The change of stile from the _Julian_ to the _Gregorian_ rendering references to the general account of the weather, which were made according to the _Julian_ calendar, indistinct, I conceived it necessary to give the weather of the years 1752 and 1753 compleat.

It is true that the short method formerly used might have served till _September_, as the act of parliament did not take place till the 3d of that month: but, besides the want of uniformity that would have attended a change in the method before the year was out, I thought, that, if there were any who should make an objection to the former, this would make them some atonement; and that it could be disagreeable to none, more especially as the epidemic fevers of those two years changed their appearances so remarkably according to the season.

The thermometer used, till noted otherwise, was the large one, and the situation during the whole two years in the wooden kiosk. Where-ever a rainy day occurs, with one ′, it is to be understood that a small shower or two happened on that day; ‴ denotes violent rains, and ″ an intermediate degree of rain.

_A. D._ MDCCLII.

_JANUARY._

The first week of this month cloudy and rainy; from the 8th to the 29th continued clear, fair weather, with some light clouds now and then intervening.

_Rainy Days._

1st and 4th ″ at night, 5th ‴, 6th ″ at night, with squalls of wind, 7th and ″ 29th in the night, 30th ‴, and 31st ‴.

Greatest height of the thermometer 56 on the 28th and 29th, at 3 P. M.
Least height 40 on the 10th and 11th, at 9 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 29 1 on the 9th.
Least height 28 5 on the 4th.

In the first fortnight, the mercury in the thermometer never rose above 50. Through the whole month, the most general height at nine in the morning was 46, from which time it usually rose 3 or 4 degrees; so that at 3 P. M. it stood at 49 or 50, except in rainy weather, when the variation was less considerable, and there was frequently none at all.

_FEBRUARY._

Light clouds were more frequent in this month than in the former; the weather in the afternoon often became overcast; the three last days serene; the rain fell mostly in the night, and in violent showers.

_Rainy Days._

7th, begun in the evening, and continued till the 8th ″ in the forenoon, 9th ″ in the night, 10th ″ A. M. 22d ′, 23d ‴ in the night, and 24th ′ in the forenoon.

Greatest height of the thermometer 53 on the 19th, at 3 P. M.
Least height 45 several days.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 9 for the greatest part of the
last fortnight.
Least height 28 3 on the 11th P. M.

The most common height of the thermometer in the morning was 48, its variation in the beginning of the month 3, and in the middle and latter part 5, unless in rainy weather.

_MARCH._

The same serene weather with which the last month ended, continued till the 9th; from thence till the 18th, light flying clouds, with some rain; the remainder of the month serene, except the 24th, 25th, and 26th, which were cloudy.

_Rainy Days._

8th ″ in the night, 9th ′ P. M., 13th ′ in the night, 14th ″, 16th ′ in the night with thunder, 26th ′, and 27th ′ A. M.

Greatest height of the thermometer 67 on the 24th, at 3 P. M.
Least height 44 on the 2d and 11th, at 9 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 9 { fluctuated often through the
Least height 28 5 { month between these two
{ heights.

The general height of the mercury in the thermometer in the morning was 45 in the beginning of the month, about the middle 52, at the end 56. The difference between the morning and evening observations grew more considerable as the month advanced; at the commencement it was commonly 5, towards the end 8 or 9.

_APRIL._

During the first week, mostly clear weather, with light, flying clouds in the afternoon. From the 7th to the 12th, variable weather, frequent hard showers of rain, sometimes attended with lightening and thunder. These showers fell chiefly in the night or morning. The rest of the month, except one day, clear weather, diversified with light clouds.

_Rainy Days._

7th ′ A. M. and in the night ′, 8th ′ in the night, 9th ′ A. M. and a storm in the night, 10th ‴, 11th ′, 22d P. M. and in the night ″.

Greatest height of the thermometer 81 on the 30th, at 3 P. M.
Least height 58 on the 8th, at 9 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 8 on the 8th, and from the 14th
to the 18th.
Least height 28 4 on the 22d.

For the first ten days, the morning-station of the thermometer was 60, the afternoon 66, except it rained, when the difference was less. The remainder of the month, the height was commonly 65, and the variation in the same day 9 or 10.

_MAY._

There was a considerable quantity of rain fell the beginning of this month. The register till the 18th is incompleat; from the 18th the weather clear and pleasant; thunder in the morning of the 22d; the wind westerly all the month, and blowing fresh, particularly from the 20th.

_Rainy Days._

3d A. M. ″, in the night ″, 4th ′ morning.

Greatest height of the thermometer 86 on the 30th, at 4 P. M.
Least height 67 on the 4th, at 3 P. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 9 from the 26th till the 29th
P. M.
Least height 28 6 on the 4th.

From the 18th to the 29th, the common height of the mercury in the thermometer, at ten in the morning, was 70; the difference in one day 6, sometimes 9. The three last days the station in the morning was 78, the difference 8.

_JUNE._

Fine serene weather through the whole month; some few light, flying clouds on the 17th and 27th; from the 7th a fresh westerly wind.

_Rainy Days none._

Greatest height of the thermometer 92 on the 12th, at 4 P. M.
Least height 76

Greatest height of the barometer 28 9 on the 9th and 10th.
Least height 28 5 from the 24th to the end.

The morning-height of the mercury, at seven o’clock, increased gradually with the month, from 76 to 80; as that of the afternoon, at four o’clock, did from 85 to 91. This in general was the case; but the strength of the wind had also much influence.

_JULY._

Serene and cool weather for the season, except the last eight days; when the west wind, which had blown fresh from the beginning of the month, giving way to calms and light breezes, it became exceeding hot.

_Rainy Days none._

Greatest height of the thermometer 95 on the 30th and 31st, at 4 P. M.
Least height 77 on the 3d, 20th, and 21st, at
7 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 7 on the 1st.
Least height 28 5 From the 5th, at 4 P. M. till
the 7th at the same hour; as
also the 20th and 21st.

The common height of the mercury was in the morning 80, and in the afternoon 90. In the last week it stood in the morning at 85, and in the afternoon at 94 or 95.

_AUGUST._

Till the 21st, serene, fresh weather, some light, flying clouds appearing now and then about mid-day, or in the afternoon. The 21st, black, flying clouds threatened rain the whole day: from this to the end of the month, clouds of this kind passed almost every day. In the nights of the 6th, 20th, and 23d, many dark, gloomy clouds, with lightening. The west wind continued to blow fresh all the month.

_Rainy Days none._

Greatest height of the thermometer 93 on the 12th and 17th, at 4 P. M.
Least height 74 on the 24th, 27th, and 28th, at
7 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 8 from the 29th till the end.
Least height 28 5 on the 7th and 8th.

The general difference in the height of the mercury, between the morning and evening observation, was 10, and the morning-height 80. In the cloudy weather towards the end of the month, the mercury sunk to 75 in the morning, and in the afternoon stood at 85.

_SEPTEMBER._

Dews in the night were common at the beginning of this month. The weather till the 18th (which the reader must remember was but a few days, the 3d being by act of parliament reckoned the 14th) was much like _August_. For two hours before mid-day on the 18th, a small rain; from that till the end the weather by degrees became cooler, particularly in the nights. The wind continued westerly, but was not so fresh as in the last month; light, flying clouds frequent in the afternoon.

_Rainy Days._

18th ′ A. M.

Greatest height of the thermometer 86 on the 14th, at 4 P. M.
Least height 68 on the 29th, at 7 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 9 from the 27th till the end.
Least height 28 7 from the 15th till the 27th.

The height and variation of the thermometer was in the beginning the same as in the latter part of _August_; about the 20th, the morning-height was 73, and it continued falling all the month. In the afternoon it seldom rose more than 3 or 4 degrees.

_OCTOBER._

Light, flying clouds throughout the day, a fresh west wind, and cool weather. From the 4th to the 15th, serene, and somewhat warm; the wind little, and variable. The 16th, flying clouds, and violent blasts of wind, by which volumes of dust were raised and hurried about in a surprising manner. The four succeeding days the wind blew fresh from the west or south-west. The 22d overcast, and threatening rain, which began that evening, and was violent in the night: all next day gloomy, with small rain; violent rains again in the night. The 28th, till mid-day, as before described; after that, violent showers, with thunder and lightening. It then cleared up, but some more rain fell in the evening. The remainder of the month (except the 26th and 27th, which were cloudy) proved serene weather.

_Rainy Days._

22d ″ evenings and night, 23d ‴, and 24th ″.

Greatest height of the thermometer 80 on the 4th, at 3 P. M.
Least height 58 on the 29th and 30th, at 8 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 9 fluctuated every few days from
that to 28 8.
Least height 28 6 on the 23d and 24th.

The thermometer’s morning-height in the first fortnight was commonly 72, the difference at the times of observation in the same day 5 or 6. In the last fortnight it fell gradually to 60, and its variation in the day was rarely more than 3 or 4.

_NOVEMBER._

The first eight days, fine pleasant weather, light clouds sometimes appearing, but, except one day, no black clouds. The afternoon of the 8th cloudy, the two following days gloomy, with some rain; from the 11th to the 16th, serene mornings, and light clouds in the afternoon; from that to the 20th, much cloudy weather, with some rain; the five succeeding days, fair, and frosty. The month ended with cloudy, rainy weather.

In the first fortnight, light breezes of wind west south-west, sometimes east or north-east. In the last fortnight, constantly moderate east or north-east. The wind blew rarely fresh, or, if it did, was but for a little while at night.

_Rainy Days._

8th ″ at night, 9th ′, 10th ′, and 16th ′ A. M. 26th ′ in the night, 27th ″, 28th ″, and 29th ″ in the night.

Greatest height of the thermometer 65 on the 1st, 2d, and 3d, at 3
P. M.
Least height 46 on the 25th, at 8 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 29 0½ on the 24th, 25th, and 26th.
Least height 28 8 the greatest part of the month.

As the month advanced, the mercury in the thermometer fell from 60 to 50; the former being the usual morning-station at the beginning, as the latter was at the end. The variation in the day was at first 5, and afterwards 3; in rainy weather 2, sometimes nothing.

_DECEMBER._

This month begun with cloudy, gloomy weather, which continued the first ten days; the mornings generally foggy; the 11th and 12th, dark weather; the two following days were fair, and frosty; from the 15th to the 18th, dark and gloomy; from that to the 23d, frost; from the 23d to the 28th, gloomy winter weather. Most of the rain in this month, except on the 23d, fell after sunset.

The wind, as in last month, moderate, at east or north-east.

_Rainy Days._

5th ″ with thunder, 9th ″, 23d ‴, 26th ″, 27th ″, storm in the night from the west.

Greatest height of the thermometer 55 on the 1st, at 3 P. M.
Least height 42 on the 13th and 14th, at 8 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 29 1 on the 14th.
Least height 28 5 on the 27th.

In the first week the mercury usually stood at 54; from the 5th to the 11th, at 50; from that till the 24th, that it got up again to 50, it continued fluctuating between 43 and 46. The most common height was 44. The difference in the same day was very inconsiderable, never exceeding 3, and for the most part 1, sometimes not discernible.

_A. D._ MDCCLIII.

_JANUARY._

The preceding year concluded with pleasant serene weather, which, one gloomy day excepted, continued till the 11th of this month; to this succeeded four dark winter days; from the 15th to the afternoon of the 22d, fair, and frost, light flying clouds now and then; the remainder mostly gloomy, rainy weather; the last day uncommonly cold, with some snow; more rain fell in the day-time than usual in this month.

Wind generally north-east or east, and moderate.

_Rainy Days._

3d ′, 11th ′ A. M. ″ in the night, 12th ‴, 14th ″, 22d ′ A. M. ″ evening, 23d ′ and 24th ′ A. M. 27th ‴, 28th ″, 29th ″, and 30th ″, in the day-time.

Greatest height of the thermometer 53 on the 7th and 8th, at 3 P. M.
Least height 40 on the 31st, at 4 P. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 29 on the 6th.
Least height 28 5½ on the 30th and 31st.

The most common height of the thermometer, at eight in the morning, during the first fifteen days, was 49, the remaining part of the month 45; the variation in the same day, at the different hours of observation, as usual.

_FEBRUARY._

Till the 12th, fair, frosty weather, except the 2d and 3d; on the former it snowed all day, and the latter continued overcast; the 12th, cloudy, and rained several hours; the eight following days serene, with light clouds after mid-day; the remaining part of the month cloudy and clear by turns; a good many showers of rain, but of no long continuance.

The wind very moderate, as in the last month; the first ten days, north-east or south-west; from the 15th to the 20th, east; the last eight days somewhat fresher, west.

_Rainy Days._

12th ″ began at noon, 21st ′ P. M. 22d ′ P. M. 24th ′ P. M. with thunder, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, showery.

Greatest height of the thermometer 54 at 3 P. M. from the 20th to the
end.
Least height 36 on the 3d, at 8 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 29 0½ on the 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Least height 28 6½ on the 24th, 25th, and 26th.

The height of the mercury, in the morning, for the first twelve days, was 38; after that it continued ascending gradually to 52. The difference in the afternoon, or variation in the same day, was at the beginning and middle of the month exactly as mentioned in _February_ last year; the few last days being rainy, the variation (as usual) was only 1 or 2.

_MARCH._

To the 20th, serene, some few light clouds now and then in the afternoon; the 9th excepted, which was cloudy and stormy; the remainder of the month variable weather, though chiefly cloudy. The rain fell mostly in short showers.

The first ten days the wind variable, south-west, south-east, or east; the other part of the month, commonly west or south-west. It was in general moderate throughout, only sometimes blew a little fresh in the afternoon; storm on the 9th.

_Rainy Days._

9th ‴ A. M. 21st ′ evening, 23d ′ P. M. 24th ″, 29 ′, 31st ″ in the night.

Greatest height of the thermometer 61 on the 19th, 28th, and 30th, at
3 P. M.
Least height 48 on the 12th, at 8 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 9 fluctuated often between that
and 28 7 till the 20th.
Least height 28 4 on the 22d, P. M.

The common station of the mercury, in the morning, was at the beginning 52, some days about the middle of the month 49, after which it gradually rose to 57; the variation on the cloudy days 2, at other times 4 or 5, but never so considerable as in the preceding _March_.

_APRIL._

Begun with cloudy, rainy weather; from the 2d to the 9th; serene; hazey weather frequent in the second week; the 16th and 17th, serene; from this time to the 27th, the weather unusually cool and cloudy. There were properly only two rainy days, the rain at other times falling only in short showers.

The reigning wind, particularly towards the end, west or south-west; frequent calms, and throughout the month the wind moderate.

_Rainy Days._

1st ″ P. M. 2d ‴, 13th ′ night, 14th ′ A. M. 15th ′, 19th ″, 22d ″ P. M. with thunder, 25th ′, 26th ′, 31st ′, A. M.

Greatest height of the thermometer 69 on the 13th, at 4 P. M.
Least height 51 on the 2d, at 7 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 8 from the 8th to the 11th.
Least height 28 4 on the 2d.

As the month advanced, the morning-station of the thermometer rose gradually from 51 to 62; the variation in the same day was generally 6, and never exceeding; but as there was much cloudy weather, it was often only 2 or 3.

_MAY._

The first day, gloomy, with continual rain till four in the afternoon; the three following days, showery, with thunder; the three next days, fair, with flying clouds, and a fresh wind; in the evening of the 8th, a storm, and thunder; the ensuing week, much hazey weather, and the sun sometimes obscured by the clouds; from the 16th to the 28th, serene weather, and generally a fresh wind through the day, clouds sometimes in the evening; the 28th, overcast; the two last days, windy, and several dark clouds passed. Frequent calms in this month; the wind variable, south-east, or east. When it blew fresh, as it did towards the latter end of the month, it was at west.

_Rainy Days._

1st ‴, 2d ′ at noon, 3d ″ thunder-showers, 4th ′ P. M. 7th ″ with thunder P. M. 15th ′ evening, 28th ′ P. M.

Greatest height of the thermometer 78 } as far as the 16th of the
Least height 59 } month.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 8
Least height 28 7

The morning-station of the mercury, in the first fortnight, rose from 61 to 70; the variation in the same day advancing also regularly with the month from 3 to 9[487].

_JUNE._

The weather through the whole of this month was in general cool for the season; dark clouds frequent in the first week; from the 8th to the 14th, light, flying clouds in the forenoon; the remainder of the month serene, except a few hours before noon, that light, fleecy clouds sometimes appeared, but more seldom as the month advanced.

The west wind blew for the most part pretty fresh through all the month. In the afternoon of the 2d, at a quarter past five o’clock, there was a slight shock of an earthquake; the wind fresh all that day.

_Rainy Days._

1st, a small shower.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 8 on the 1st.
Least height 28 6½ a few days towards the latter end.

The ordinary station of the mercury in the barometer was 28 7.

_JULY._

The weather in the two first weeks, cool and pleasant, fleecy clouds, as in the last month, often appearing before noon; to the 22d, little wind, serene, and warm; then three days cool weather; the remainder moderate breezes, and hot. The wind westerly.

Greatest height of the barometer 28 6
Least height 28 5

To the 20th, the mercury in the barometer stood invariably at the greatest height, as it did the rest of the month at 28 5.

_AUGUST._

Through this whole month, the weather was mostly serene, few clouds of any kind appearing; the 1st day, a fresh wind; to the 14th, hot, and little or no wind, particularly from the 4th the nights very hot; from the 14th to the 19th, the weather cooler, being refreshed by a morning and evening breeze; the rest of the month, calm, or little wind; many white clouds passed on the 23d and 25th, the west wind blowing fresh.

The wind throughout westerly.

_Rainy Days none._

Greatest height of the barometer 28 6½
Least height 28 5

The mercury in the barometer stood at 28 5 from the beginning till the 9th, from that time till the 29th its invariable station was 28 6, as on the three last days of the month it was 28 6½.

_SEPTEMBER._

The first week serene, the mornings and evenings cool; from the 13th to the 16th, frequent hard gusts of wind, that brought along with them clouds of dust, as usual before the autumn-rains; flying clouds often, and sometimes dew in the nights; frequent lightening in the west; the 12th and 13th, steady gales of wind; a little rain in the night of the 16th; the four succeeding days, overcast, and often threatening rain; from the 20th to the 25th, serene; the remainder of the month stormy.

The wind westerly.

_Rainy Days._

16th ′, 29th ″ noon.

Greatest height of the thermometer 92 on the 3d, at 4 P. M.
Least height 71 on the 18th, at 7 A. M.[488]

Greatest height of the barometer 28 8½ from the 20th to the 24th.
Least height 28 5 on the 12th.

In the first fortnight, 82 was the usual morning-height of the thermometer; in the afternoon it commonly rose to 89 or 90; in the storm it fell to 76, and rose in the afternoon only to 80; in the last fortnight, 72 was the common height in the morning; the variation in the same day 8.

_OCTOBER._

Mornings serene, and flying clouds in the afternoon, made up the weather in the first week; from the 9th to the 14th, much cloudy weather; the 15th, rainy; the other part of the month fair, the mornings sometimes serene, sometimes cloudy; but through the day there were generally white clouds, except the 24th, 25th, 26th, and 29th, which were quite serene.

The wind little, and variable; sometimes it blew fresh in the night at west.

_Rainy Days._

10th ″ evening and night, 15th ′ A. M. P. M. ″ and evening.

Greatest height of the thermometer 81 on the 1st, at 4 P. M.
Least height 56 on the 25th, at 7 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 29 0½ on the 25th.
Least height 28 7 on the 16th.

The variation of the mercury in the thermometer was in the same day generally 8 or 9, sometimes 5, the morning-station being 68 or 70; from the 15th it continued gradually sinking to 59; and the variation in the same day was 5 or 6.

_NOVEMBER._

The two first days, cloudy; the evening of the 2d threatened rain; From that to the 20th, serene and pleasant; from the 23d to the 27th, gloomy weather; the latter days of the month, serene through the day, but cloudy both in the morning and evening.

The wind little, and variable, at east, north-east, south-east, _&c._

_Rainy Days._

23d A. M. ″ in the night, 25th ‴ in the night, 26th ′ morning.

Greatest height of the thermometer 71 on the 4th, at 3 P. M.
Least height 43 on the 29th, at 8 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 29 0½ on the 19th.
Least height 28 7 on the 26th and 27th.

The mercury in the thermometer, in the progress of the first fortnight, descended from 58 to 52, the variation in the afternoon being generally 9 or 10; in the last fortnight it gradually fell from 52 to 44; the variation in that time was seldom more than 6.

_DECEMBER._

The first fortnight, except two or three clear days, was for the most part dark and cloudy; the 17th was serene, but from that to the 27th foggy; the morning of the 28th clear, at noon cloudy, and rained violently in the evening; the two last days of the year were serene and pleasant, and through the whole month the weather was unusually mild.

Frequent calms, little winds, at east or north-east; on the 5th it blew fresh at west, with a shower of hail.

_Rainy Days._

2d ′ P. M. 3d ‴ in the day, 4th ‴ in the day, 5th ′ P. M. 11th ′ in the night, 12th ″ A. M. 13th ″, 14th ″, 23d ′ night, 25th ′ A. M. 28th ‴ afternoon and evening.

Greatest height of the thermometer 51 on the 17th and 20th, at 3 P. M.
Least height 43 on the 23d and 24th, at 8 A. M.

Greatest height of the barometer 29 0½ on the 20th.
Least height 28 5 on the 4th.

The height of the mercury in the thermometer throughout the month was 44 or 45 at eight in the morning; the variation in rainy weather nothing, and at other times 2 or 1.

CHAP. III.

_Of the Epidemical Diseases, from the beginning of 1742 to the end of 1747, and of the Years 1752 and 1753._

_A. D._ MDCCXLII.

This year was very healthy, till about the beginning of _March_; when an acute fever, attended with a pain in the right hypochonder, became very frequent, both among adults and children, though few of those were seized with it who were under ten years old. Copious bleeding, emollient glysters, cooling purges, with antiphlogistic medicines internally, and emollient fomentations to the part affected, generally relieved the symptoms, and brought the fever to a favourable crisis on the seventh or ninth day in adults by a plentiful sweat, and in children most commonly by a diarrhœa.

In some these evacuations only carried off the pain, and brought the fever to a regular intermission; when it was soon and safely cured by the cortex; though, if any errors were committed in the use of the non-naturals, the patients were very subject to relapses.

But when evacuations were not used in due time, the disease often proved fatal, or at best the fever was protracted to thirty, and even forty days, and some few of the sick died hectic.

Though the above mentioned fever did not quite disappear till the autumn; yet, after the beginning of _June_, it affected so few, that it could scarcely be called epidemical.

Inflammatory quinsies were also frequent at this time; but they were not violent, and quickly yielded to the common methods.