A Million Ways To Die In The West Medicine
A Million Ways To Die In The West is a 2014 comedy western film that depicts the old wild west as a dangerous and deadly place. The movie follows the story of a cowardly sheep farmer named Albert Stark, played by Seth MacFarlane, who falls in love with a woman named Anna, played by Charlize Theron. As he tries to win her heart, he finds himself in the middle of a feud with a notorious outlaw, Clinch Leatherwood, played by Liam Neeson.
One of the movie's running gags is the depiction of the various ways people could die in the old west. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the characters had access to modern medicine. In this article, we will explore the medical practices of the old wild west and how they compare to modern medicine.
The Role Of The Doctor In The Old West
Doctors in the old west were not common. Many small towns did not have a doctor, and those that did often lacked the necessary medical supplies and equipment to treat patients. As a result, many people had to rely on home remedies and folk medicine to treat their illnesses and injuries.
Doctors who did practice in the old west were often seen as outcasts. They were not respected members of society and were often viewed as quacks or frauds. This was due in part to the lack of regulation in the medical profession at the time. Anyone could claim to be a doctor, regardless of their qualifications or training.
Home Remedies And Folk Medicine
Home remedies and folk medicine were the primary ways people treated their illnesses and injuries in the old west. These remedies often relied on natural ingredients and herbs, as well as superstition and old wives' tales.
One popular home remedy was the use of kerosene to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, and sore throats. While kerosene does have some antiseptic properties, it is also highly toxic and can cause serious health problems if ingested or inhaled.
Another common remedy was the use of snake oil. Snake oil was said to cure a wide range of ailments, from headaches to arthritis. However, most snake oil sold in the old west was nothing more than a mixture of various oils and chemicals with no real medicinal value.
Other folk remedies included the use of honey for wound care, chewing tobacco for toothaches, and horse manure for fever. While some of these remedies may have had some merit, many were simply ineffective or even dangerous.
Surgical Procedures In The Old West
Surgical procedures in the old west were often performed without the use of anesthesia or sterilization. Patients were typically held down by friends or family members while the doctor operated. This often led to complications and infections, which could be fatal.
One common surgical procedure in the old west was the amputation of limbs. This was often necessary due to injuries sustained in gunfights or accidents. However, without the use of anesthesia or sterilization, the procedure was excruciatingly painful and often resulted in further complications.
Another common procedure was the removal of bullets. Bullets were often left in the body, as removing them was seen as too risky. However, if the bullet was causing serious health problems, it would need to be removed. This was often done without anesthesia, and the patient would be held down while the doctor removed the bullet.
Modern Medicine And The Old West
Modern medicine has come a long way since the days of the old west. We now have access to advanced medical equipment, surgical techniques, and medications that were not available in the past. This has led to a significant improvement in the quality of healthcare and the overall health of the population.
However, there are still parts of the world where access to modern medicine is limited. In these areas, people often rely on home remedies and folk medicine to treat their illnesses and injuries. While some of these remedies may have some merit, many are ineffective or even dangerous.
Conclusion
A Million Ways To Die In The West is a humorous depiction of the old wild west and the dangers that people faced on a daily basis. While the movie may be exaggerated for comedic effect, it does highlight some of the challenges that people faced in terms of healthcare.
Today, we have access to advanced medical technology and treatments that were not available in the past. While there are still parts of the world where access to healthcare is limited, we have made significant progress in improving the health and well-being of people around the world.