The Doctor Is In - The Doctors Oliver and 19th Century Medicine in Yates County
Dr. Andrew Oliver moved to Penn Yan in 1813 from the Cherry Valley area. He brought with him medical texts going back to the 1790s, now displayed in the Oliver House. Dr. Oliver lived on Main Street, close to the home he built in 1852 for his son Dr. William Oliver. William in turn had a son, William, who also became a doctor. It was Carrie Oliver, sister of this third doctor, who donated the Oliver House to the Village of Penn Yan, which then became the primary residence of the Yates County History Center.
Dr. Andrew Oliver and his son William both compounded their own medicines and all three doctors made house calls, sometimes riding on horseback as far as Italy. Dr. Andrew Oliver also provided smallpox vaccinations as early as 1835. Their ledgers are a rich collection of 19th century medical practices, containing recipes for medicines and compounds, names of illnesses, names of patients, and prices for care.
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Dr. Andrew's desk and Dr. William II's chair |
Dr. William Oliver's top hat |
Medicine Vials |
Dr. Andrew's glasses
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Motar and Pestle |
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Medicine Cabinet
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Ledger |
Recipe For Medicine |
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