Collection P234 - 19th-century medicine in Montreal collection

4 leaves

Collection consists of four documents about nineteenth-century medical services in Quebec. The first is a draft letter dated December 31, 1847, written in Quebec by a physician who requests that the recipient, likely the Governor’s secretary, submit his application for the position of doctor at the Quebec Gaol and House of Corrections to the Governor. This correspondence follows the death of Dr. Farques, who died twenty days earlier. The author notes that he had assumed most responsibilities for an extended period due to Dr. Farques’ illness. The draft contains multiple pencil corrections.

The second document is a letter from Dr. James Fisher (d. 1922) to the Quebec Garrison surgeon, providing a testimonial regarding a head wound sustained by Louis Fortier. Dr. Fisher states that he is unable to offer a prognosis, as head wounds are inherently unpredictable in their outcomes. The letter is signed by James Fisher, Garrison Surgeon, Quebec, on January 12, 1796, and is sworn before J. Blackwood, Justice of the Peace.

The third document is a French-language draft petition dated January 26, 1820, regarding the opening of the institution for the mentally disturbed and orphans. It is addressed to “Son Honneur James Monk, Ecuier, President administrant le Gouvernement du Bas-Canada.” The docket reads: “Projet de Requete presentee a Son Hoheur le President pour les personnes derangees dans leur Esprit & les enfants abandonnes, par les Commissaires.” The paper bears the watermark W. Turner & Son and contains pencil corrections.

The fourth document is a receipt for medical services, dated May 3, 1876, in Montreal.