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of the sick, he has laid down ample directions, and all along, expressed himself with remarkable perspicuity, and as much elegance of diction, as the subject will admit.
From the experience I have had of the good effects of Dimsdale's method of inoculation, I imagine, in recommending it to such practitioners as may be shortly engaged in taking care of those, amongst whom the small-pox may spread, and particularly to the surgeons of the hospital, and those in the army under my own direction, I am performing one of the most important services a person in my station can well render to them, or to the country and people he is amongst. Every attempt to spread the knowledge of any useful practice, has a natural tendency to advance science and redound to the publick good. All the merit I propose to myself in the recommendation of the author, is the holding him forth to more publick view, and a desire to excite a general attention to so valuable a performance amongst some who may be less acquainted with its value. As the publick good is my intention in this, I flatter myself I shall attain my wish, being perswaded that no person who shall carefully read the following sheets, and attend to the information they contain will think their time misapply'd, or repent their having followed so safe and experienced a guide in the practice of inoculation.
Cambridge, in New-England
April 19th 1776.
