Contagion, History, Hygiene and Sanitation, Mandates

Noah Webster on Absurd, Unjust Health Measures

“But what I contend for, is, that we must not expect the best health laws, most rigorously executed, will ever be successful in g[uar]ding cities against epidemic pestilence. In our reliance on such [act]ions, we expose ourselves to perpetual disappointment; we expose the lives of citizens; we overlook the true causes of the evil, and neglect the only means of preventing or mitigating its effects.”