practice of inoculation extended, will at first sight appear. Dr. Adams, however, very justly remarks that this argument is more plausible than solid, for in the first place, admitting the fact to be as stated, there has been a corresponding increase in other diseases, not communicable by inoculation; and, secondly, the statements may be so put as to shew a diminution rather than an increase. Thus, in the thirty years between 1741 and 1770, there died of small-pox, according to the Bills of Morta

Inquiry into the Laws of different Epidemic Diseases, by Joseph Adams, M.D. 1809. p. 144.

lity, 63,308; whereas in the next thirty years (viz. from 1771 to 1800) there only died 57,268.

Although, then, it would be difficult to support this objection against inoculation by a reference to statistical tables, it is obvious that it must necessarily contribute to diffuse the contagion, and so far therefore is an evil. Notwithstanding this defect, however, and others already adverted to, inoculation must still be viewed as a most valuable discovery, and a merciful provision of nature against the ravages of a dreadful pestilence. (George Gregory.)