CHAPTER I

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PESTILENCES PREVIOUS TO THE BLACK DEATH, CHIEFLY FROM FAMINES.

The plague of 664-684 described by Beda, and its probable relation to the plague of Justinian’s reign, 542- 4

Other medieval epidemics not from famine 9

Chronology of Famine Sicknesses, with full accounts of those of 1194-7, 1257-9, and 1315-16 15

Few traces of epidemics of Ergotism; reason of England’s immunity from _ignis sacer_ 52

Generalities on medieval famines in England 65

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