Wednesday, May 16, 2018 — 7:30 p.m., Nova Scotia Archives
Medicine at the Fortress of Louisbourg: Trauma, Disease, and Cultural Influences
Jeannette Verleun and Dr. Carly MacLellan, Dalhousie University
Abstract:
In early 1700s Europe, surgery and medicine were separate professions. Advances in combat medicine led to changes in civilian medicine as well as system practices. In Nova Scotia, French explorers had been in contact with the Mi’kmaq since the 1500s through at least the 18th century. Accounts show that the Mi’kmaq and French colonists relied on each other for aspects of health care. In 1713, the Fortress of Louisbourg was established and a formal health care system was developed at the fort. Using primary sources, published data from the Government in Canada, and historical journal articles, this paper will explore the structure of the medical system at Louisbourg between 1713 and 1758 in the context of cultural influences.