LOUISVILLE KY JASNA AGM: SPECIAL INTEREST PRESENTATIONS
A SURGEON AT SEA: ALBERT ROBERTS OF HMS ACASTA
Alan Roberts has researched and presented many programs around the U.S. portraying an early 19th century British physician aboard the HMS Acasta, a frigate which served in the Atlantic for many years. He is part of the re-enactor's group,the HMS Acasta, with a website here.
Alan Roberts in his surgeon's apron
Wearing his "blood" stained leather apron, he described the duties of a doctor aboard a British naval vessel of the early 19th century. The Acasta was a real ship, pictured here in action in the Battle of Santo Domingo, the ship on the far right.
Action off Santo Domingo, 1806, by Thomas Whitcombe, artist, 1817
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Demonstrating his tools of the trade
Lined up like this, the doctor's instruments look pretty gruesome.
At the top. a leather knot for the patient to clench in his teeth;
At the bottom, a saw to cut through the bone.
However, he was kind enough to neglect bringing his jar of leeches, perhaps his most-used remedy for various sailors' laments..
Center, a long forceps to reach down and pull out a lead ball from a wound
The ship's surgeon's books and implements; note the jar of teeth in front of the books. The ship's surgeon also served as dentist.
The bleeding bowl, showing barber's tools in the design
Alan Roberts, from his Pinterest page
If you ever have an opportunity to see him at work, don't miss it!! Various appearances are listed on the website.
