Most of the equipment displayed was used by Logan County physicians in their practices. For example, the x-ray equipment was used in Dr. Charles Barrett’s office.
     The walker was made in Logan County. It is made of wood and has three legs instead of the usual four in use today. The doctors’ bags contained instruments used in examining patients and performing minor surgeries. Doctors also carried pills and medicine cases, as pharmacies were few and far between. Physicians made “house calls” to homes of patients too sick to come to the office. They treated them in their homes and sometimes performed surgeries on the kitchen table. Hospitals were found in very large cities only. Babies were delivered at home, often by women knowledgeable in child birthing. These women were called midwives.

     The exhibit discusses the history of the medical field in Logan County from the time of the Indians to the present through text, photos and artifacts.   The doctors’ bags found in the room represent the times that doctors made house calls. The bags contained instruments used in examining patients and performing minor surgeries.  Doctors also carried pills and medicine cases, as pharmacies were few and far between.  Physicians made “house calls” to homes of patients too sick to come to the office.  The “Town Doctor” exhibit details the history of long-serving physicians in Logan County. The exhibit will highlight individual doctors on a rotating basis.

     Other items of interest:

• —Fleam (bloodletter)

• —walker (made in Logan Co.)

• —“Quack” machine

• —medicine/elixir bottle collection

• —old medicines / instruments

• —doctors’ bags / pill cases

• —1919 Physicians’ fee schedule