Maritime Quarantine: The British Experience, c.1650-1900

As a maritime trading nation, the issue of quarantine was one of constant concern to Britain. Whilst naturally keen to promote international trade, there was a constant fear of importing potentially devastating diseases into British territories. This groundbreaking study examines the methods by which British authorities sought to keep their territories free from contagious diseases, and the reactions to, and practical consequences of, these policies. Drawing upon a wealth of documentary sources, a vivid picture is painted of this controversial episode in British political and mercantile history.