Sea Sickness

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


A writer in the “London Times” says :— " Having noticed in the public journals a recent instance of death from sea sickness, under very painful circumstances, I am induced to hope that the mention of a remedy which was entirely successful in a case which came under my own observation may be useful to other sufferers from the distressing malady.— A lady of my acquaintance was landed at the Cape of Good Hope on her voyage home from India, in such a deplorable state of debility and exhaustion from sea sickness that she was obliged to be carried into the house by men, and would certainly have died if the ship had been a week longer at sea. The danger of renewing the voyage under such circumstances was very great, but a simple contrivance enabled her to continue it, and to reach England in perfect health. A swinging cot was constructed with a top or frame over it, fitted with curtains so as effectually to screen the deck overhead, and other parts of the vessel, from the view of the recumbent invalid.— The motion of the ship was thus rendered imperceptible, and the invalid being relieved from the dizzying effect of the vessel appearing to roll one way and the cot the other, no longer felt any nausea or inconvenience. She soon gained sufficient strength to leave her cot for short periods, except in bad weather, and the confinement, such as it was, was a trifle compared to that which persons who have lost or dislocated limbs, are compelled to end pre pain for months. At all events life was saved, and health restored by this simple means.”

Scientific American Magazine Vol 8 Issue 50This article was published with the title “Sea Sickness” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 8 No. 50 (), p. 395
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican08271853-395e

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe