Samuel C. Allison account books, 1863-1893
3 volumes
This collection consists of physician and doctor Samuel C. Allison's patient accounts from 1863 to 1893 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with short notes on the reason for patients' visits, medicines, and the costs of Allison's services.
The first volume spans from 1863 to 1865; the second from 1870 to 1875; and the third from 1876-1893. Health matters addressed include fractures, obstetrics, sexually transmitted diseases, venesection, teeth extractions (dental), pediatrics, vaccinations, and more. Some goods were given instead of cash, such as fruits and vegetables, meat and eggs, sugar and molasses, potatoes, butter, and other foodstuffs. On occasion, patrons paid with other goods like a clock, a pair of gloves, or other items. The account books contain several recipes for medicines written in the back, and the third volume contains seventeen pages of accounts seemingly from a jewelry store, noting purchases of watches, rings, chains, clocks and other furniture.
A partially printed certificate from the Common Schools of Pennsylvania made out to Samuel C. Allison from April 1, 1858, is laid into the third volume, certifying he passed his exams in orthography, reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, English grammar, algebra, physiology, and the art of teaching.