26. Pirate Medicine

In the 18th to 19th century the usual cause of death among Sailors was not due to wounds sustained in battle, but from diseases. A Pirate was more likely to die from food poisoning, infection, and malnutrition, than an injury from the Cutlass or Flintlock.  The doctor’s job would be to perform amputations, dress wounds and treat sexually transmitted diseases, amongst other tasks. It was often his job to decide if the food supplies were safe to eat. There were, however, many diseases that his skills could not treat, such as malaria, dysentery, yellow fever and tuberculosis. 

At sea, if your ship had a disease on board, you would fly a yellow flag, to warn others to stay away.  That is called flying the "Yellow Jack". 

Rodents and parasitic insects such as lice, fleas and ticks were a common nuisance.   Conditions on a ship made it almost impossible to keep rats and bugs off the Pirates and out of the food. Thus, food would be prepared with bugs and rat droppings. 

The Barber-Surgeon was responsible for the sick and injured.  He performed surgical operations and dispensed medicine. He would also perform dentistry, mainly pulling rotten teeth.   

One of the services typically provided by the Ship's Surgeon was barbering. 

Because of the education and skills of a Barber-Surgeon, they were often forced into service by Pirates, along with their equipment and medicines. However, when captured by Pirates, even though they were hostages, they were often cut in on the booty because they were so invaluable to the crew. 

If the Pirate ship did not have a Barber-Surgeon, often the job of a surgery would fall to the ship's Carpenter or even the Cook, because they knew how to cut things. 

At this stop locate the medical cabinet with its artifacts.  Notice how many of the surgical and dental tools have not changed in hundreds of years.  Take a moment to read about medical treatment on Blackbeards Ship.