The Express.
London, England, 1853-10-05 00:00:00

INSTRUCTIONS TO SAPTAINS OF SHIPS PREP&RZD HT THE

()WIRRAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

I. WILL? To Avotia.—OvniecaoweitNo.--The amount
of breathing space for the men which may suf-
fice in ordinary times is insufficient in an epi-
demic season. Increase space as much as practicable.
Permit no sail•, large trunk., or any part of the cargo to
occupy the forecutle. If sufficient additional space cannot
be otherwise obtained, erect a temporary tent on deck by
awning, sails, tie.. fur the men at night, taking care that
they sleep warm and dry. Ventilate the fortieth and every
part of the ship with fresh air as freely as possible. Pure
air is the first essential requisite to safety.
DAUI.XII.`M.—To lessen the danger from dampness let the
boards be ciry.rubbed. Let the men change their wet
clothes whenever practicable, and never allow the wet
' clothes to remain below an instant. A thick flannel belt or
bandage around the stomach or loins would be a great
defence for sailor,. Flannels er Guernsey frocks should be
' worn next the skin. Sudden and violent attacks of cholera
often follow a chill.

FILTH.—Let every part of the ship be kept as clean and
sweet as possible, and enjoin personal cleanliness on the
men. Vessels affected by bilge water should be pumped
out frequently, especially steamers.
UNWHOLESOME FOOD.—Articles of food which may be
taken with little inconvenience in ordinary times may be
daurrous in an epidemic season. The best articles of food
are meat, good biscuits, rice, oatmeal, and good potatoes.
So:id food is better than fluids, and therefore at this time it
would be desirable to give the crew beef and mutton instead
of soup. Care should be taken to avoid all tainted meat
and decayed vegetables. Special attention should be paid
to having a supply of pure water. All river water near
towns should be avoided.

Excras.—Great moderation both in food and drink is
absolutely essential to safety. A single act of indiscretion
has been followed by a severe attack. Intemperance at
such a time is fraught with extreme danger. An epidemic
atmosphere commonly produces great depression, both of
body and mind, and a desire for stimulants. If for the relief
of this feeling recourse be had to gin or brandy, the result
may be fatal.
PURGATIVE biEDICIBIB.—No purgative medicines of
any kind should be taken at this season, unless under
medical direction. Glanber's salts end Epsom salts are
especially dangerous. Owners and masters should provide
themselves with the necessary medicinesimmediately.

11. WHAT TO DO.
Cholera is commonly not so sudden in its attack as is sup-
posed. It usually gives waning of its approach for some
hours, and often for a day or two, by some degree of loose-
ness of the bowels. This may be slight, and it is almost
always without pain ; but let no ono be put off his guard
by this circumstance. The master should, by observation
and inquiry, take notice of the health of the crew ; and for
his guidance, until such time as he may be able to obtain
medical assistance, the following recommendations are sub-
joined :
If any man should be attacked with any degree of loose-
ness of the bowels, the following medicine should be given
to him at once : fifteen or twenty grains of opiate confec-
tion, mixed with two table spoonsful of peppermint water,
or with a little weak brandy and warm water. This
should be repeated every three or four hours, or oftener if
the attack is severe. If this medicine is not at hand, eight
or ten drops of laudanum may be substituted for, the
opiate confection.
If the purging is severe, and especially if attended with
vomiting or coldness, the man should go to bed immediately,
and be kept warm. Bottles of hot water, or bags filled
with salt or bran, should be applied to the stomach and feet
and along the spine.
A large poultice of mustard and vinegar should be put
over the stomach, and kept on fifteen or twenty minutes.
The above medicines should be continued every hour, or
every two or three hours, according to the emergency of
the case, until a doctor can be got. Rest and warmth in
bed are essential until medical assistance arrives; but not a
moment should be lost in seeking medical aid.