Loss by the Plague.
109
5. From whence it follows, that 100,000. persons dying of the Plague, above the ordinary number, is near 7 Millions loss to the Kingdom; and consequently how well might 70,000l. have been bestowed in preventing this Centuple loss[1]?
6. We said, that the late mortality by the Pest, is a great loss to the Kingdom; whereas some think it but a
- ↑ This seems to be the germ of Petty's plan "Of Lessening ye Plagues of London," dated October 7, 1667 and here reprinted from Lord E. Fitzmaurice's Life, pp. 121—122:
1. London within ye bills hath 696th people in 108th houses.
2. In pestilentiall yeares, (which are one in 20) there dye 1⁄6th of ye people of ye plague and 1⁄5th of all diseases.
3. The remedies against spreading of ye plague are shutting up suspected houses and pest-houses within ½ mile of ye citty.
4. In a circle about ye center of London of 35 miles semi-diameter, or a dayes journey, there live as many people and are as many houses as in London.
5. Six heads may bee caryd a days journey for 20sh.
6. A family may bee lodged 3 months in ye country for 4sh, so as ye charge of carying out and lodging a family at a medium will be 5sh.
7. In ye greatest plague wee feare, scarce 20th families will bee infected; and in this new method but 10th, ye charge whereof will bee 50th pounds.
8. The People which ye next plague of London will sweep away will be probably 120th, which at 7£ per head is a losse of 8,400ths the half whereof is 4, 200ths.
9. So as 50 is ventured to save 4,200, or about one for 84.
10. There was never a Plague in ye campagne of England by which 1⁄6th of ye people dyed.
11. Poore people who live close dye most of ye plague.
12. The Plague is about 3 monthes rising and as much falling, which cold weather hastens.
13. Killing dogs, making great fires in ye street, nor the use of medicaments are considered sure, for which everyone by common directions may bee theire owne Physicians.
14. In ye circle of 70 miles diameter, choose 10 large wide roomey disjoyned houses with water and garden to each, the Inhabitants to remove at 7 dayes notice.
15. Convenient wagons or coaches to bee prepared to carry away ye suspected.
16. A method to furnish ye pesthouses with medicines for theire mony.
17. Bookes of devotion for every house.
Proposalls—When 100 per week dy, the Plague is begun. If there dye fewer than 120ths, out of ye bills, of all diseases within a yeare after, then W.P. is [to] have 20sh per head for all lesse and to pay 10sh per head for all above it.
Every family removed being to provide 10₤ for ye charge of going and coming and for 4 monthes rent. Or a gratuity of... with W.P. his insurance.
