Parasitology

Abstract

In Sir John Sinclair's Statistical Account of Scotland (1791–99), we have a very detailed and accurate picture of the conditions prevailing in this country two hundred years ago. There are numerous descriptions of how, during the preceding half-century, the extensive draining of marshes led to the control of malaria, or ague, and the introduction of inoculation almost completely eradicated smallpox; these were important factors which contributed towards the health and prosperity of the country.