File NLW MS 24011E. - On Cholera and Potato Disease

A volume, 1854 (watermarks 1853, 1854), containing fair copies of letters, dated 1849-1854, written by Joseph Jones, Caernarfon. The volume was compiled by him and presented to J. M. Davies, Frood Vale, Llandeilo, in July 1854. The letters concern Jones's theories on the causes of cholera and potato blight, attributed by him to agencies such as fermentation and the action of earthworms, as well as potential treatments and cures. There are frequent Biblical references, with extensive quotations on pp. 43-49, 75-76, and a few anecdotal references from his own experiences as a mine agent and flour merchant on Anglesey (pp. 5, 63-64).
The letters are addressed to Lord Ashley (later the Earl of Shaftesbury) of the General Board of Health, 1849-1853 (pp. 1-39, 42-50, 53-71), and Lord John Russell, the Prime Minister, 19 September 1851 (pp. 39-40); the final section is addressed to J. M. Davies, 19 July 1854 (pp. 72-82). Brief letters of acknowledgement (pp. 12, 19, 28, 41, 51, 71) and a list of contents are also included (p. i).