Thoughts to the improving of the Materials of Building, and to the inventing of better Models for Houses, Roofs, Chimnies, Conduits, Wharfs, and Streets: all which have been already under the Consideration of the Royal Society; and that too, before they had such a sad Occasion of bringing their Observations into Practice. The Mortality of this Pestilence exceeded all others of later Ages; but the Remembrance of it should rather enliven than damp our Industry. When Mankind is over-run with such horrible Invasions of Death, they should from thence be universally alarm'd, to use more Diligence about preventing them for the future.
It is true, that terrible Evil has hitherto, in all Countries, been generally too strong for the former Remedies of Art. But why should we think, that it will continue so for ever? Why may we not believe, that in all the vast Compass of natural Virtues of Things yet conceal'd, there is still reserv'd an Antidote, that shall be equal to this Poison? If in such Cases we only accuse the Anger of Providence, or the Cruelty of Nature, we lay the Blame where it is not justly to be laid. It ought rather to be attributed to the Negligence of Men themselves, that such difficult Cures are without the Bounds of their Reason's Power.
If all Men had desponded at first, and sunk under the Burden of their own Infirmities, almost every little Wound, or Pain of the least Member, had been as deadly, as the Plague at this time. It was by much Inquiry, and Use, that most of the mildest Diseases became curable. And every first Success of this kind, should always strengthen our Assurance of farther Conquests, even over this greatest Terror of Mankind. Distrust, and Despair of our own Endeavours, is as
