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

CHOLERA.

Instructions to Captains ofShips, prepared by the
General Board of Health.
Captains of Ships are hereby warned-
1. What to avoid.

Overcrowding—The amount of breathing space for the
men which may suffice in ordinary times is insufficient in
an epidemic season.l Increase space as much as practicable..
Permit no sails, large trunks, or any part of the cargo to
occupy the forecastle. If sufficient additional space can-
not be otherwise obtained, erect a temporary tent on deck
by awning, sails, &c., for the men at night, taking care that
they sleep warm and dry. Ventilate the forecastle and
every part of the ship with fresh air as freely as possible.
Pure air is the first essential requisite to safety.
Dampness—To lessen the danger from dampness let the
boards be dry-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 sailors. Flannels or Guernsey frocks should be
worn nest 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 1311
taken with little inconvenience in ordinary times may be
dangerous in an epidemic season. The best articles of
food are meat, good biscuits, rice, oatmeal, and good pota-
toes. Solid food is better than fluids, and therefore at
this time it would be advisable to give Ale crew beef and
mutton instead of soup. Care should be taken to avoid
all tainted meat and decayed vegetables. Special atten-
tion should be paid to having a supply of pure water. All
river water near towns should be avoided.

Excess.—Great moderation in food and drink is abso-
lutely 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 at-
mosphere 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 Medicines.—No purgative medicines of any
kind should be taken at this season—unless under medical
direction. Glauber's Salts and Epsom Salts are especially
dangerous. Owners and masters should provide themselves
with the necessary medicines immediately.
11. What to do.

Cholera is commonly not so sudden in its attack as is
supposed. It usually gives warning of its approach for
some hours, and often for a day or two, by some degree of
looseness about the bowels. This may be slight, and it is
almost always without pain ; but,let no one be put off his
guard by this circumstance. The master should, by obser-
vation 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 subjoined :_ _ _

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 : 15 or 20 grains of opiate confection, mixed
with two table spoonful of peppermint water, or with a
little weak brandy and water warm. This should be re-
peated 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 con-
fection.

If the purging is severe, and especially if attended with
vomiting or coldness, the man should go to bed immedi-
ately, 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 miista.rd and vinegar should be put
over the stomach, and kept on 15 or 20 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.

NOTICE TO MASTERS AND OWNERS OP SHIPS PREPARED
AND ISSUED BY THE BOARD OF HEALTH.

The approach of cholera having rendered it necessary to
take all possible precautions, and experience having shown
that the disease spreads rapidly and fatally wherever there
is overcrowding, dirt, and want of ventilation, the atten-
tion of masters and owners of ships is especially called to
the following sections of the Mercantile Marine Act :

Section 6.3-. "Every place in any ship occupied by sea-
men or apprentices, and appropriated to their use, shall
have a space of not less than nine superficial feet for every
adult, measured on the deck or floor of such place, which
shall be kept free from stores or goods of any kind not
being their personal property in use during the voyage ;
and every such place shall be securely and properly con-
structed, and well ventilated.".
" If any place in any. ship occupied by sea-
and appropriated to their use, is not in
thiceSnewcohtriooalnopp6Le.ffintciiceenslly large to give such space as herein-
before required, or if any such place is not securely and
properly constructed and well ventilated, the owner shall
for every such offence be liable to abenalty not exceeding
twenty pounds ; and if any such space as aforesaid is not
kept free from goods and stores as aforesaid, the Master
shall for every such offence be liable to a penalty not ex•
ceeding ten pounds."
Masters and Owners of Ships are hereby warned that the
Board of Trade will, if occasion shall arise, take measures
to enforce the above enactments, by inspection, and, if ne-
cessary by legal proceeedings.