Medicine?

We took a Saturday afternoon trip down to the riverfront at St. Charles, Missouri (not far from here) for "Lewis & Clark Days." This brings out a large number of reenactors dressed in late 18th and early 19th century garb who set up tents and live like they did in the old days (more or less, and cell phones not withstanding). At one of the tents, a guy — and I lost his card so I can't tell you his name — had an incredible display of early 19th century medical equipment. He was playing the role of a surgeon of the era. He explained in detail what each of the instruments was used for, how they were used, etc. This shot is of the portable pharmacy that a field surgeon would carry, and includes such wonderful drugs as mercury. The next time you get sick, be really, really glad you live in modern times.