An account of the plague which raged at Moscow, in 1771

"An Account of the Plague Which Raged at Moscow, in 1771" by Charles de Mertens is a historical account written in the late 18th century. The book details the outbreak of the plague in Moscow, providing a thorough examination of its symptoms, progression, and the medical responses employed during the crisis. It serves as both a narrative of the devastating impact of the plague on the population and a medical treatise intended to educate physicians about prevention and treatment strategies. The opening portion of the account sets the stage by describing the onset of the plague in the context of the existing war between the Russians and Turks. It introduces the timeline of events leading up to the plague's arrival, including an early report of illnesses suspected to be plague from the military hospital in Moscow. The chapter highlights the confusion among physicians about the symptoms presented and the initial underestimation of the situation, which would later lead to widespread devastation. Dr. de Mertens casts a critical eye on the public's perception of security, suggesting that neglecting health precautions only exacerbated the crisis as the plague spread throughout the city. The narrative promises to provide a detailed strategy for managing such outbreaks based on the author's observations and experiences during this tumultuous time.