CHAP. 1. (1.)—NEW FORMS OF DISEASE.
THE face of man has recently been sensible of new forms of
disease, unknown [Note] in ancient times,
not only to Italy, but to
almost the whole of Europe. Still, however, they have not as
yet extended to the whole of Italy, nor have they made any
very great inroads in Illyricum, Gaul, or Spain, or indeed
any other parts, to so great an extent as in Rome and its environs. Though unattended with pain, and not dangerous to
life, these diseases are of so loathsome a nature, that any form
of death would be preferable to them.