 Tip: when traveling in the 18th century, don't get sick
From
Richmond, we drove up old route 1 instead of the interstate.
My mom says it's to get a feel for a time before the Interstate
highway. I think it's because she needs on-road access to Mickey
D's but that's another story.
Anyway, it was a long drive from Richmond to get to the old
Doctor's shop. When we got there, we entered the quaint, restored
area called Old Town Fredericksburg. But, something gruesome
awaited us.
The old shop stood peacefully at the corner. We entered and
were sent to the 1700s. I was kind of tense because, well,
it was a doctor's office. We passed through the apothecary
(drug store) and into the doctor's surgery room. The guide
was telling visitors about how Dr. Mercer would cut off someone's
arm and other amputations! I learned that "puke" was a proper
word for throw-up back then.
I don't want to spoil your fun but you'll find out about leeches,
barf, sweat and the herbs and other things used to purge the
fluids out of people -- even bugs that make blisters and bandages
made out of lint.
I should mention the warning: people who faint easily and
children under the age of 5 years are not recommended, due
to the graphic content of the tour. Sounds interesting
doesn't it?
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