In this treatise, Defoe talks about the impact of the plague on his family. In particular, he outlines the kinds of care that are available for those living in poverty. He addresses the flight of educated doctors and surgeons from London, leaving behind posters on street lamps advertising miracle cures such as: "Infallible preventive pills against the plague,” “Neverfailing preservatives against the infection,” “Sovereign cordials against the corruption of the air,” “Exact regulations for the conduct of the body in case of an infection," “Anti-pestilential pills,” “Incomparable drink against the plague, never found out before,” “An [sic] universal remedy for the plague,” “The only true plague water," and “The royal antidote against all kinds of infection."