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What was in a colonial first aid kit?

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Marta Catalano answered

Colonial medicine was quite different and obviously underdeveloped, nonetheless they had good instruments and techniques that help them save lives.

However, remember that during colonial times, there weren't the same specializations that we know today.  Sciences such as chemistry or biology weren't recognized as such. In the 18th century there wasn't a good knowledge of bacteria, viruses and for this reason their procedures didn't include sterilization.

This is what a typical kit looked like:

Among the instruments there were

For measuring: ceramic pill tile, apothecary scales, tall glasses

For preparing: Mortar & pestle, spatula, pill tile

Ingredients: herbals and various plants to use them according to the patient's need.

Instruments: like scissors, knifes and others to facilitates possible operations.

Some of the instruments looked like this:

Here's a good PDF that explains more about colonial medicine. Hope this helps!

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