Chapter 25: 245-253
Contents
Page 247
"the final Illness... was from Gravel"
Referring to Chalicosis, perhaps? From WIKI: Chalicosis (Greek, χάλιξ, gravel), sometimes called Flint disease, is a form of pneumoconiosis affecting the lungs or bronchioles. The disease is caused by the inhalation of fine particles of stone. It is found chiefly among stonecutters.
Mr. Birch
Thomas Birch (November 23, 1705 – January 9, 1766) was an English historian, and member of the Royal Society. From WIKI
Mr. Mead
A touch of an anachronism (since M&D didnt sail for the ToV until 1760), as this seems to be Richard Mead (11 August 1673 – 16 February 1754) who was an English physician. His work, A Short Discourse concerning Pestilential Contagion, and the Method to be used to prevent it (1720), was of historic importance in the understanding of transmissible diseases. He was also a member of the Royal Society. From WIKI
Mr. White
Most likely Gilbert White, who was a member of the Royal Society. Gilbert White (18 July 1720 – 26 June 1793) was a pioneering naturalist and ornithologist. From WIKI
Page 251
Chauncey
Possibly an anachronism, this seems to be a reference to Commodore Isaac Chauncey's letter to Major General Jacob: "We are intended to seek and fight the enemy's fleet, and I shall not be diverted from my efforts by any sinister attempt to render us subordinate to, or an appendage of, the Army." Brown, USA, on Lake Ontario, 1813 - from Dictionary of Military and Naval Quotations by Robert Debs Heinl, Jr. Isaac Chauncey on WIKI
Page 252
Mosul
Mosul is a city in northern Iraq and the capital of the Ninawa Governorate, some 400 km (250 miles) northwest of Baghdad. The original city stands on the west bank of the Tigris River, opposite the ancient city of Nineveh on the east bank... The fabric Muslin, long manufactured here, is named after this city. Another historically important product of the area is Mosul marble. From WIKI