Reese examines the possible causes of the 1819 Baltimore yellow fever epidemic and concludes that polluted water at Fell's Point is the most likely culprit. He continues to examine the progression, contagion, and quarantine of the illness and also provides an appendix detailing symptoms and treatment. Reese's analysis of the epidemic brought to light many of the sanitary problems facing Baltimore and other heavily populated port cities in the United States at the time.