Dear Lynne,
Thankyou for your post... an interesting example.
I am sure that alcohol featured quite prominently as a form of
'self-medication', very likely due to the fact that it was cheaper that way than to have
seen a Dr. of the day and paid for whatever meds. he would have made/supplied.
The cost of just seeing a Dr. was out of many's pockets anyway, let alone
the purchase of any 'remedies'.
There were 'Sick Funds' operated by many mines of course, but working for a
less affluent mine one was on ones own. There were 'Mine Doctors' of course,
and I think the coal mines were quite good in this respect - but not knowing
that much about coal mining I am sure others will be able to correct me.
Prominent metal mining areas such as Cornwall were relatively well provided
for, but 'lesser' areas (Mid-Wales, Derbs. & York Moors areas), things were
slightly different. The Welsh Slate Industry seemed to be very well covered,
and medical assistance was always there if needed. The quarry owners seemingly
taking the view that a healthy workforce was a productive one... though also
knowing that there was not an infinite pool of skilled workers to draw from.
Just some 'notes'.
Regards, Bernard
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