Answer :
In the novel "Fever 1793," the excerpt that connects to the historical account of the time period is: "O Guns were fired on the street corners, and a cannon blasted in the public square to purify the air."
1. This excerpt reflects the historical context of the widespread yellow fever epidemic that struck Philadelphia in 1793. During that time, due to the lack of medical knowledge, people believed that firing guns and blasting cannons could help purify the air and prevent the spread of disease.
2. The practice of firing guns and blasting cannons to purify the air was a common belief in the 18th century when facing disease outbreaks like yellow fever. This excerpt captures the desperation and confusion of the people trying to combat the epidemic in an unconventional way.
3. By mentioning the firing of guns and blasting of cannons in an attempt to purify the air, the excerpt from the novel vividly portrays the historical reality of how people dealt with the fear and uncertainty surrounding the deadly disease, highlighting the drastic measures taken during that time.