"I Never Have Such a Sickly Ship Before": Diet, Disease, and Mortality in 18th-Century Atlantic Slaving Voyages

The article traces the diet, diseases and mortality of ships in the transatlantic slave trade in the 18th century. Discussion is given examining the living conditions of slaves being transported during the voyage, including mention of the close-quarters spacing conditions of the voyage which increased the spread of contagious disease and the food supply and dietary provisions for the captives and their effect on nutrition. Further discussion is given outlining common instances of specific illnesses, including scurvy, dysentery and venereal diseases. [EBSCO]