THE DOCTOR, having recently returned from the forted station along Mansker’s Creek, travels the savage frontier in an effort to educate and enlighten the settlers in the art and mystery of 18th-century medicine, or "physick" as it is commonly known. It is his belief that good health is tantamount to a strong and new nation, particularly one that signed its Declaration of Independence a mere four years prior.The Doctor's strong suit is his ability to demonstrate period-appropriate medical "procedures" for the public. His experience in performing and teaching sleight-of-hand tricks has allowed him to "amputate" a leg, "draw" a tooth, and tend to "wounded" soldiers in post-battle triage.
For the gentler ailments, the Doctor prescribes plain and easy means for persons to cure themselves of all (or most) of the distempers incident to the period, armed with the latest techniques and apocatherian treatments.
The Doctor's presentations continue throughout the extent of his stay, whether he is attending to the public or walking about and interacting with other interpreters. Those who will please to favour him with their employ may depend upon the strictest attendance and attention to Economy. Contact the Doctor to schedule an appointment today!
A portion of a discussion the Doctor gave to a group of adults at
Fort Boonesborough in Nov. 2009
Click on image to enlarge
GENTLEMEN,
THIS may inform all whom it might concern, that herein is contained the most accurate description of the gentleman known as 'THE DOCTOR' as can be assembled. Please bear in remembrance that much of this knowledge comes from several of his known companions, tax receipts, ship manifests, apprenticeship contracts &c. as well as testimony from the Hart family & other eye witnesses to the deeds of 'the Doctor'.
Born in England, spent his youth in York and speaks very good English : Had on an old linen Shirt many times mended, the right arm of which still bears the warpaint from the face of a savage he dispatched some time ago, a pair of green Trowsers, a walnut dyed Waistcoat with black leather buttons upon its face, and a fine black wool Coat which is white on its interior and missing several of its pewter buttons, a pair of heavy brown Stockings with either a pair of riding boots or wax covered shoes, with a good Hat and Wig. He is often known to travel with a blue box that is believed to contain a few of his personal items as well as the medicines used in his craft.
Williams, Guy The Age of Agony: The Art of Healing, 1700-1800
Revolutionary Medicine, 2nd (Illustrated Living History Series) (Paperback)
by C. Keith Wilbur
Physick: The Professional Practice of Medicine in Williamsburg, Virginia, 1740-1775
By Sharon Cotner, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Kris Dippre, Robin Kipps, Susan Pryor, David M. (PHT) Doody
Edition: illustrated
Published by Colonial Williamsburg, 2003
Disease: The Extraordinary Stories Behind History's Deadliest Killers (Hardcover)
by Mary J. Dobson
Every Man His Own Doctor: or, The Poor Planters Physician by John Tennent, 1734
Extracts from the Marine Practice of Physik and Surgery, Including the Nature and Treatment of Gunshot Wounds. Ranby 1776
Plain Concise, Practical Remarks on the Treatment of Wounds and Fractures, by John Jones, MD. 1776
THIS may inform all whom it might concern, that herein is contained the most accurate description of the gentleman known as 'THE DOCTOR' as can be assembled. Please bear in remembrance that much of this knowledge comes from several of his known companions, tax receipts, ship manifests, apprenticeship contracts &c. as well as testimony from the Hart family & other eye witnesses to the deeds of 'the Doctor'.
Born in England, spent his youth in York and speaks very good English : Had on an old linen Shirt many times mended, the right arm of which still bears the warpaint from the face of a savage he dispatched some time ago, a pair of green Trowsers, a walnut dyed Waistcoat with black leather buttons upon its face, and a fine black wool Coat which is white on its interior and missing several of its pewter buttons, a pair of heavy brown Stockings with either a pair of riding boots or wax covered shoes, with a good Hat and Wig. He is often known to travel with a blue box that is believed to contain a few of his personal items as well as the medicines used in his craft.
Documentation for the Doctor's impression comes from:
Williams, Guy The Age of Agony: The Art of Healing, 1700-1800
Revolutionary Medicine, 2nd (Illustrated Living History Series) (Paperback)
by C. Keith Wilbur
Physick: The Professional Practice of Medicine in Williamsburg, Virginia, 1740-1775
By Sharon Cotner, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Kris Dippre, Robin Kipps, Susan Pryor, David M. (PHT) Doody
Edition: illustrated
Published by Colonial Williamsburg, 2003
Disease: The Extraordinary Stories Behind History's Deadliest Killers (Hardcover)
by Mary J. Dobson
Every Man His Own Doctor: or, The Poor Planters Physician by John Tennent, 1734
Extracts from the Marine Practice of Physik and Surgery, Including the Nature and Treatment of Gunshot Wounds. Ranby 1776
Plain Concise, Practical Remarks on the Treatment of Wounds and Fractures, by John Jones, MD. 1776
A Discourse upon the Duties of a Physician, By Samuel Bard M.D. 1769
The Doctor's instruments, click to enlarge.
