A History of Epidemics in Britain, Volume 1 (of 2) / From A.D. 664 to the Extinction of Plague

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

42686

Title

A History of Epidemics in Britain, Volume 1 (of 2) / From A.D. 664 to the Extinction of Plague

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This text compiles historical accounts of the Great Plague in London (1665) and Byzantium, contrasting ancient superstitions with emerging pathological understanding. It details the grim realities faced by plague bearers and searchers, their oaths, and varied symptoms across individuals and seasons.

Summary up to 500 words

The provided text offers a detailed examination of the Great Plague in England, specifically focusing on the epidemics between 1593 and 1665, with significant attention paid to the outbreak of 1665. The narrative explores the historical accounts of the disease's progression, noting that symptoms varied greatly among individuals and across different seasons, a point emphasized by Woodall based on his experience in London during earlier outbreaks. The text contrasts modern philosophical skepticism regarding divine intervention in survival—citing Procopius's claim that Providence spared certain men during the Justinian plague—with pathological explanations for immunity. A central theme is the societal response to the crisis, particularly the institutional measures taken to manage contagion. The document details the specific roles and oaths sworn by 'Bearers' and 'Searchers' in 1665. Bearers were tasked with transporting bodies at night to burial grounds, carrying a white wand to identify themselves and avoid public contact. Similarly, Searchers were responsible for examining corpses to determine the cause of death, also required to isolate themselves from their families and society while wearing identifying wands. These officials were paid specific fees for their services, which could be covered by parish estates if necessary. The text also addresses various historical theories and observations regarding the plague's nature. It references Sir Thomas Elyot's 1541 assertion that infected items could remain dangerous for years, a claim supported by Brasbridge. Furthermore, Francis Bacon is cited for his reports on the olfactory characteristics of the plague, describing it as having the scent of mellow apples or May-flowers, while noting that fragrant flowers like white lilies were considered detrimental during an outbreak. The narrative acknowledges the limitations of historical testimony, such as Boghurst's account, which may have been influenced by classical traditions rather than direct observation. Significant attention is given to Eyam, a village desolated in 1666, whose story has inspired numerous literary works and editions. The text highlights that while some accounts rely on authentic papers originally compiled by Dr. Gideon Harvey, much of the published narrative regarding the plague was actually derived from Daniel Defoe and Vincent. Ultimately, the passage serves as a critical analysis of historical records, distinguishing between genuine data, antiquarian compilations like those of Morant, and literary embellishments, while underscoring the varied experiences of those who lived through the epidemic.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History