| Description | The author describes a disease occurring in the Americas, Africa, and other places at sea that the Spanish and Portuguese refer to as 'bicho' [gangrenous proctitis]. It is typically brought on by 'extraordinary' labour and drinking. It symptoms include headaches, cramping in arms and legs, fatigue, and fever. The author then goes on to describe remedies for the disease, including washing the anus with water and sugar or a mixture of rosewater, camphor, breast milk, and lint.
Subject: Medicine |