Remote & Rural Remedies

"Survey return from Thomas H. Rutherford"

Helmsdale, by Golspie.

1851.

RCP/COL/4/8/229

Thomas Rutherford was a medical practitioner in Helmsdale.

Helmsdale is a village which was within the parish of Kildonan. For further information, see the entry for Kildonan.

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[[Addressee]]
Dr Rutherford
Helmsdale
by Golspie

[[Survey]]
QUERIES

1. How long have you practiced in the locality you at present occupy?

Seven Years

2. What are the ordinary and what the greatest distances which you have to travel in visiting patients?

Ordinary distance from one to ten miles &
occasionally from ten to twenty five miles-

3. What means of conveyance do you employ in going long journeys?

Gig¹ where
the Roads are good & otherwise on Horseback

4. What is the state of the roads in your neighbourhood?

generally, good -

5. Is the position of medical men in general in your quarter improved, or otherwise, of late years?

I cannot say that it is much improved

6. Supposing the people of the Highlands and Islands were generally able to pay for medical
advice, according to rates usually observed in other parts of the kingdom, what extent of
country in your locality would you regard as sufficient to occupy a single practitioner
fully?

The extent of district in which I practice
is quite sufficient to occupy one
practitioner. -

7. Mention, if you please, any special hardships incident to your situation, such as you think
might be remedied by some general measure or enactment?

The greatest hardship I have to complain
of, is the great number I have to
attend, who are not able to
remunerate me.

[[Additional text]]

Thos. H Rutherford

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Explanatory notes:

1. A gig is a light two-wheeled carriage pulled by one horse.