Groton Historical Series (Volume 3); A Collection of Papers Relating to the History of the Town of Groton, Massachusetts (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1893. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... GROTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 1890. Historical Series, Vol. III., No. I. THE PHYSICIANS OF GROTON. During the early days of New England there was no distinct class of men following the profession of medicine, but the practice was taken up in connection with some other calling. In every community either the minister or the schoolmaster or some skilled nurse was expected to act in cases of need, and for the most part such persons performed the duties now undertaken by the faculty; and at that period obstetrical practice was taken by women. In the early part of 1672 the Reverend Samuel Willard wrote a long account of a case of witchcraft which befell Elizabeth Knapp, of Groton, and he relates how the " Physitian " came to see her on November 5, 1671, when he gave his judgment on the case, or, in other words, made the diagnosis. It would be an interesting fact to know who was the doctor then practising in the neighborhood, but this is now beyond the reach of historical inquiry. The earliest physician in Groton, mentioned by name, of DEGREES whom I have found any trace, is Dr. Henry Blasdell. On v May 28, 1725, he petitioned the General Court that an allow' ance be made him for his professional services and for medicines furnished during the campaign of the previous autumn, while he was Surgeon to the Western Forces. The amount of his bill was,26 i DEGREESs., and the General Court allowed him 17 gs. Dr. Blasdell had been impressed into the public service by Colonel Edmund Goffe; and other particulars are given in "Groton during the Indian Wars" (pages 130, 131). Dr. Ezekiel Chase, of Groton, was married at Newbury, on May 20, 1729, to Priscilla Merrill, of that town. See the first volume of this Historical Series (No. XIII. page 51). She w...