The Quack Doctor

The Quack Doctor Substack delves into the eccentric and often overlooked corners of medical history, exploring the evolution of treatments, the impact of quackery, and the stories of individuals who navigated the complex landscape of health care. It scrutinizes historical events, personal narratives, and the intersection of medicine with social and legal issues.

Historical Medicine Quackery and Fraud Medical Treatments and Practices Infectious Diseases and Epidemics Substance Abuse and Addiction Legal and Ethical Issues in Medicine Medical Personalities and Pioneers Impact of Medicine on Society Medical Education and Reform Investigative Journalism in Healthcare

The hottest Substack posts of The Quack Doctor

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A fortune-teller’s love potion

0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💾 History True Crime Victorian Era Mysticism Scams Medicine
  1. A fortune-teller claimed to have a magical substance called 'Zep' that could influence the future and reveal a person's future beloved.
  2. Two sisters spent their savings on this 'Zep' substance, hoping to find husbands, but ended up losing a significant amount of money and facing threats from the fortune-teller.
  3. The fortune-teller's past involved criminal activities and despite her claims, the magical substance did not work, leading to legal consequences for her and disappointment for the sisters.

'Horrible bubbles': the whale bath for rheumatism

0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History Medicine
  1. In the 1890s, people sought relief for rheumatism by immersing themselves in a rotting whale in New South Wales.
  2. The whale cure involved sitting in the whale's decomposing blubber for hours, with the belief that the gases released would cure rheumatism.
  3. Although the whale bath brought temporary relief for some, the side effects and the return of rheumatism often outweighed any initial benefits.

'How the Devil can I answer?': violence at Apothecaries' Hall

0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
💾 History Medical Justice Prison Trial
  1. When taking an exam, it's important to maintain composure and not resort to violence, as it can lead to serious consequences like legal trouble and imprisonment.
  2. Qualifying exams in the 1830s for medical professionals were rigorous, covering subjects like chemistry, materia medica, and botany.
  3. Even with family wealth and additional qualifications, losing one's temper during a crucial moment can have long-lasting effects, including bankruptcy and a tarnished reputation.

Christmas in the Victorian hospital

0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
💾 History Victorian Christmas London Medical
  1. In the 1890s, hospitals in London made efforts to bring Christmas cheer to patients with gifts, carol singing, festive decorations, and special meals.
  2. Hospital staff, including medical students, actively participated in the celebrations, dressing up, performing shows, and organizing activities to lift spirits.
  3. Charitable donations from local communities funded the Christmas celebrations in hospitals, highlighting the importance of bringing comfort and joy to those in need during the festive season.

The miseries of human life

0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Health & Wellness Humor
  1. In 1808, Rev James Beresford wrote 'The Miseries of Human Life,' a humorous book detailing everyday complaints that garnered popularity.
  2. The book covered various aspects of a Georgian person's life, from health miseries like colds and dentistry to social awkwardness and the miseries of reading and writing.
  3. Beresford's work humorously portrayed relatable 'First World Problems' and showcased wit and originality, resonating with the Georgian reading public.
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The wonder-worker Madame Enault

0 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
💾 History Medicine Entertainment Scams Cultural impact
  1. Madame Enault, a 19th-century medicine show performer, used elaborate costumes and exotic promises to draw crowds and sell her questionable elixirs.
  2. Her show featured free tooth extractions and treatments for minor ailments, which acted as a sales pitch for her 'Indian Malachite' and 'Chinese Caustic' remedies.
  3. Despite facing criticism and legal troubles, Madame Enault's showmanship and unconventional medical practices continued to attract attention and controversy throughout her career.

Petticoat physic: the opposition to Lady Doctors

0 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
💾 History Medicine Gender Education
  1. Opposition to women's medical education in the 19th century was not unanimous within the male medical profession, with debated arguments against female doctors including concerns about their suitability, impact on marriage, and emotional capacity.
  2. Critics of female doctors expressed doubts that female patients would prefer a doctor of their own sex, citing potential lack of comfort and believing women to be emotionally, intellectually, and physically unsuitable for the profession.
  3. Concerns were raised about the impact of women becoming doctors on marriage, with worries about neglecting household duties, raising children, and the societal implications of married women practicing medicine.