The Way it Was

Recommendations for items to take on trips to the tropics in the mid 19th century:

A flannel belt. In view of the prevalence of diarrhea and dysentery it is very important that the abdominal organs be especially protected by a flannel belt surrounding the body, and worn day and night.

Cummerbund. This is a useful article of clothing, especially for men in the evening. It does away for the need of a waistcoat, which often proves hot and uncomfortable, and yet provides the necessary safeguard against chill to the abdominal regions.

Pith-helmet. The well fitting, ventilated pith-helmet, which forms such an effective guard against the mid-day sun, does not equally protect the side of the head and neck and the back of the neck from the sun’s horizontal rays at morn or eve; at such times, therefore, a light curtain of sufficient length should be attached to the rim of the helmet. This curtain at other times can be folded up and attached to the rim of the helmet.

- from Take a Spare Truss – Tips for Nineteenth Century Travelers. Compiled by Simon Brent. Elm Tree Books. London. 1983.