Probably one of the first books on the medical aspects of this particular subject. "In this lecture it will be our purpose, first to describe the various ordeals which befall men after their ship has been lost, the clinical effect of these privations, and the physiological problems entailed; and secondly to consider the possible measures for the alleviation of the vicissitudes in question" (p. 2). Critchley discusses "the hazards and their attendant effects under the following heads: (1) excessive cold and wet, with their general and local effects; (2) thirst due to inadequate water supply; (3) inanition and hunger, from inadequate food; (4) tropical conditions; and (5) the psychological effects of cumulated mental and physical distress" (p.4).