1857 June 18, Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA (Extracts from Valentyn's account, published in 1726) That the island Tayouan or Formosa has a very close connection with our trade with Japan is sufficiently clear to render it necessary that we should give some account of this portion of territory. This great island is called by the natives themselves Pak-an or Pak-ande; ...... The country is very populous, and the men especially are of lofty stature, and strong of body and limb. In the district of Tiverang, which lies among the hills immediately behind the town and fort of Zeelandia, there is a race of particularly barbarous and uncommonly tall people, a sort of half giants, of a colour between brown and yellow, but inclining towards the latter (as is usual among the Formosans) who go about during the summer almost naked; --but the women, who are usually short and stout, are always clothed, although they throw these aside at bathing times, which occur twice a day, and appear entirely naked, without showing any shame. The Formosan women are usually as fair as the men, but they are short, stout, strong and laborious, as most of the work both in and out of doors falls upon them, the men being lazy loiterers, so that even the tilling of the soil, the planting of the rice crop, and the harvesting when it is ripe, is performed by the women. They are not in the habit of sowing or planting all their land, but each cultivates an extent which is considered sufficient to supply the family; ......
1917 December 27, Malaya Tribune, [Amoy (Romanised) Chinese Text Book on Nursing] To the Editor of the Malaya Tribune. Sir, - It is always an opportune time to pass on a good thing when it come one's way. I have just heard that Dr. G Gushie Taylor, one of our medical missionaries in Formosa, has issued a text-book on Nursing in the Amoy dialect in Roman character. I heard that the book will be most useful to the ordinary reader as well as to the professional. As we all know how great is the need for more knowledge on such a subject. I am sure you will help to make it known, specially as it is not a case of making public gratis to get gain for one's wares. I understand the author will reap no personal gain, but will merely regain outlay. The book is about 9 in. by 3 in., over 700 pages and has 502 illustrations, of which 17 are in colour. These illustrations are all inserted for their teaching value. The book is divided into four parts: 1. Simple anatomy and physiology. The terms used are nearly all those adopted by the committee, which for several years past has been revising terminally for the C.M.M.A. In all cases where difficulty may arise, Chinese character and English are included. 2. General nursing. This part includes practically all that is included in a home book on the subject. An effort has been made to make the various operations clear and consecutive. 3. Surgical nursing, including a little on common surgical ailments, a chapter on bandaging, with 150 illustrations and a chapter on operations. 4. Medical nursing including a little on common diseases, Infections diseases, Tropical disease, maternity and children. A glossary of terms in Romanised character, English index. Price in Formosa is Five Yen, so soon as I can get local prices I shall be happy to let all interested know. Meanwhile, I shall be happy to book any orders and hand to purchasers at prime cost, to help to lift a little of the often unnecessary pain and suffering and too high mortality among children. Yours faithfully, J. A. B. Cook Singapore (English Presbyterian Mission) December 26, 1917
