Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - July 27, 1986
By Susan J. Dehler
Vigo County Historical Society

Home remedies
Medical case family's cure

The transformation of medical authority in America from the home environment to a group of sanctioned professionals had taken nearly two centuries to accomplish.

In colonial times, the family was the center of economic and social activity and primary caretaker of the sick. Domestic medicine became the responsibility of the women in the household. The use of medicinal herbs and "home" remedies was a tradition transmitted orally.

Although professional medicine existed, physicians could not compete with the family or community stronghold. By the late 18th and early 19th century, doctors were publishing manuals for domestic medicine recognizing the abundance of lay practitioners. In 1859, one manual "from the latest authorities," advised family members on preparations and cures for the sick and the proper procedures for accidents (which we can call first aid).

Chicken, beef or veal broth was recommended for the infirm, along with concoctions of egg gruel, arrow rood and wine whey. Sugar was recommended to prevent wounds from "mortifying."

The treatment for fainting or hysterics was as follows: "Loosen the garments, bathe the temples with water. . . avoid bustle and excessive sympathy."

By spreading medical knowledge in such manuals, physicians were paving the way toward their own medical authority.

The mid-19th century medicine case on display in the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, represents a time when this authority was in transition. Natural herbs were being replaced by manufactured medicines.

Different sized glass vials of medicine with cork stoppers line the inside of the bag. Each bottle labeled by the Wheeler Chemical Works of Chicago has instructions on how to mix the medicine and the proper dosage to administer. There is camphor used for hysteria, black haw to prevent miscarriages, grindelia for asthma and whooping cough, and a licorice-elixir "used as a flavoring agent to disguise the taste of unpleasant drugs."

One physician of the period recalls" "The doctor had to be his own pharmacist. He made his own pills and tinctures, compounded all his medicines, and generally carried all he required. . . as he wended his way from house to house, administering to the sick and ailing."

Charges for services varied. In an average-sized Midwestern town in 1840, a house call in town cost $1, verbal advice $1, a dose of medicine 50 cents, fractures $5 to $10, and an amputation of a leg or arm $25 to $100.

The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday.