Bleed, Blister & Purge: A History of Medicine on the American Frontier

by Volney Steele

Bleed, Blister, and Purge traces the fits and starts of medical progress on the western frontier. With the authority of a scholar and the sparkle of an old-time storyteller, Dr. Volney Steele takes the reader from rotgut whiskey to modern anesthetics, from castor oil to antibiotics, and from barroom surgery to modern hospital operations.
Dr. Steele wrote Bleed, Blister, and Purge "to shed light on and celebrate the dedication and humanitarianism of those many physicians, nurses, shamans, and people of sound practical sense who saw their patients--often friends and family--through the adversities that bedeviled them."

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Science, Medical, Medicine, American History, History Of Medicine

367 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2005

Reviews

[Beth Cato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bleed, Blister, and Purge is a nonfiction historical reference I'll be keeping handy for future writing projects. Steele is a doctor himself with over a half century of experience, plus a childhood observing his father as a physician in rural Arkansas. The beginning and end were a bit slow, but overall, it made for a fascinating (albeit morbid) read. Of particular interest was the chapter on the Lewis and Clark expedition, complete with frostbitten penises and venereal diseases galore; the data and anecdotes on early doctoring throughout the rural west; and information of infectious diseases and contamination. Much of Steel's life was spent in Montana, and the book draws a great deal of material from the state; I found this emphasis refreshing. I also appreciated the way he compassionately wrote about the plight of Native Americans throughout the colonization period and up to modern times.

Trigger warning: there are some black and white pictures that might disturb some readers, like maggots at work and people with illnesses like measles. I welcomed them and the other illustrations that accompanied the text, but other readers should be aware.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was very heavily focused on Montana. Even though that was where the book was published, the cover did not suggest that it would be so focused on one state. As such it did not provide as broad a picture as I would have liked in this kind of book. I did notice some inaccuracies in the text and it bothered me how the Spanish influenza was referred to as both an epidemic and a pandemic, the former being used more than the latter.

[Anna Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible history of medicine in the United States. Starting with the earliest settlers in our country and ending with the age of modern medicine, it gives the reader insights to the thought processes and intentions of medical pioneers and charlatans through the centuries.

I loved that it discussed all those who practiced medicine with respect. While many where way off base in their treatments, causing more harm that good, most were well intentioned and truly wished to alleviate the suffering of mankind. True, there were some who were just out to make a dollar and the book does address them, but factually and not unkindly.

The information on Native American medicine, epidemics, and the contributions of Lewis and Clark to the medical world was excellent. So much of what we learned about the need for rest and time to recuperate came from the Native Americans!

The chapter on nursing should really be expanded, which is my only complaint. As a nurse, I know that we have a proud history and have played a huge roll in the advancement of medicine and patient care.

While this not what I'd call a page turner that you can't put down it is well written and a must read for anyone interested in the history of medicine in the United States!

[Adrianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this I have determined that our ancestors were tougher than we are today. Those who did survive the cholera, diphtheria, small pox, measles, whooping cough or the other myriad epidemics built up some strong constitutions. It is easy to call the doctors ignorant but they accomplished amazing feats in dismal conditions. I am amazed that anyone survived.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredibly DENSE because it was packed full of information, anecdotes, and historic accounts. The book was heavily focused on the state of Montana and I was disappointed that it did not have a more balanced narrative from other frontier states.

[grub · Rating 4 out of 5]

first read this when i was like 12 and it really set me down a certain path that i now as a parasite ecologist am still treading. was definitely able to grasp more as an adult. its good! fun read and well written, but can tend to be a little repetitive

[Toph White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a text, but an interesting general account of medicine on the frontier from Lewis and Clarke up through the 30's and 40's.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great telling of where medicine was on the American frontier . SO many different ideas and practices.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book leans heavily on the history of Montana specifically. This is a problem for two reasons:

1. Nowhere in the title, summary, jacket, etc. does it disclose the Montana thing. Feels sort of disingenuous. I thought I was getting a broader book.

2. I really think it would be a better, tighter book with the Montana details trimmed out. As it is, it's sort of sprawling, like a litany instead of a narrative.

Interesting and mostly readable, but the above bothered me the whole time.

[Bobbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband wishes that he had been alive during the nineteenth century exploration of the West. He is something of a mountain man in lawyer's clothing! I think of him every time I read about life during that time and more often than not I shudder.

Modern medicine was in it's infancy at that time and those who pushed the frontier suffered more than most. While new advances were coming rapidly to the East, it was often years before doctors in the West had the training or access to it. Old cures were used well into the twentieth century.

While interesting, the book was a bit dry for me and I had trouble getting through it. While I love history, it has to come in less of a textbook form, although those who study the West will find this book fascinating.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in a generally chronological order this book provides a general overview of "Euro-American" medicine in the west after briefly touching on Native American traditional medicine. Several 'doctors' who practiced medicine in the west are mentioned by name. What can be described as an overview of diseases common to the west and their treatment are provided. While discussing medicine the author also provides a little history of the American West.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It provided an interesting history of medicine in rural areas of the United States heading into the early 20th century, but I found the organization of the book somewhat distracting. It reads as if the author couldn't decide if he was writing a strictly non-fiction text or a historical narrative. I've enjoyed better blends of the two, but I still found the information in this book useful.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a series of vignettes from doctors and nurses who practiced in the American West from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s than a proper history, this is nonetheless an interesting and informative overview of medical practices of the era. Steele covers Native American as well as European practices in a thoughtful manner.

[Ron Harton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written so it is very readable as a book, not just as a reference.It's full of both information and anecdotes. Written by a doctor whose physician father practiced in the last days of the frontier West, the book is much more than a history. The author has really put his heart into the book.

[Annee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fascination and eye-opening. Medicine has come a long way in a short time.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as disturbing as I would have guessed...

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good historical book about how medicine, doctors, and nurses changed the western US during the 1800s and into the 1900s.

[Pat Montana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read; checked it out from the library. It's sad, but I always like medical books!

[Wagrobanite · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very interesting book about medicine in the west but I was thinking it would more cases then there actually were. My favorite part was about the sanitariums in different places.

[Shannielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, but you need a strong stomach. Some graphic pictures.

[Shelly Greenhalgh-Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most engaging explanation of medicine on the American frontier, and a great resource for research.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank god for penicillin.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, if medical history and/or frontier life tickles your fancy.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a touch more anecdotal than I thought it would be, hence the 4 stars, but it is very accessible to the layman and enjoyable to read.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview/introduction, written by a pathologist!