One of Thomas Sydenham’s books was read by Thomas Thacher (1620 - 1678), a Puritan minister of the Third Church of Boston, just as the city was dealing with an outbreak of smallpox in 1677. For over a year, it spread among residents, killing about 700 people. The leaders of Boston wanted to stop the spread of the disease and asked Thacher to write a “broadside”, or poster, with advice. It was printed in English (not Latin) and posted for all to read.Thacher's broadside was the first medical document to be printed in the American colonies. His advice was mostly taken from Sydenham’s writing about diagnosis and treatment of smallpox and measles. He advises the sick to limit their diet to watery gruel or oatmeal, a little beer and toast, or boiled apples. They should not wear too many layers or lay in a room that is too hot or cold, and avoid ointments that will prevent the rash from breaking open and drying up.