The French Canadian/Acadian Genealogists of Wisconsin Quarterly features articles on French Canadian/Acadian research, historical as well as cultural information, published genealogies, and news about many current genealogical events. The annually published surname list consists of major surnames being researched by members.
Volume 22 Number 3, Spring 2008
Articles
"Public Health in New France and Canada" by Joyce Banachowski
Frequent deaths, a life expectancy of forty years and epidemics were part of life in the 17th and 18th century New France. Québec was a primary target because most ships arrived there first, bringing yellow fever, cholera, typhus and other diseases. Open sewers and a questionable water supply added to the public health problems.
What were the treatments used to combat these conditions and why were ³vile smells² thought to cause malarial or other diseases? Because French Canadians, in general, disliked vaccinations, other remedies were sought. Following this discussion, there is an interesting chronology of doctors who practiced in New France and a sharing of their contributions to health and science. 12 pages.
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