Gold Rush Medicine
Dr. Bob LaPerriere, retired medical doctor and historian, is sharing stories of the woes of immigrants traveling to California for the Gold Rush. These adventurers were subjected to numerous devastating diseases at a time when doctors were unable to provide specific treatment and many of the doctors were really not doctors. Thousands died from various epidemics at a time in history when the most advanced medical treatment consisted of bleeding, cupping, puking, purging and the use of “drugs” such as mercury and arsenic. LaPerriere will explore these experiences using quotes from diaries of the time to illustrate and bring the past alive.
Upon retirement Dr. LaPerriere had time to continue his 30-year interest in local medical history. He is currently the curator of the Museum of Medical History of the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society. Camp Richardson's Historic Hotel, 1900 Jameson Beach Rd. Cost is $3 to attend, free for LTHS members.
