Life in the 1800s Unveiled: Shocking Practices and Bizarre Remedies

Mason Riverwind

Updated Friday, August 9, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

Embark on a captivating journey to the 1800s with the latest installment of the series, "Life in the 1800s (Part 4)". This video shines a light on the peculiar and often shocking practices of the time.

One of the most startling moments captures a scene where a woman is being harassed in public, raising questions about the societal norms and the lack of intervention during that era. Adding to the bizarre nature, a vendor can be heard promoting “secondhand Meats,” a chilling reminder of the unsanitary food practices that prevailed.

A psychiatrist in the video describes their controversial methods, stating it was their job to “physically assault the lunatics until they shut up.” This brutal approach underlines the primitive and often inhumane treatment of mental health patients.

The video delves deeper into medical practices, revealing that the cure for smallpox was believed to be something as simple as taking a bath, while heroin was considered a legitimate medicine. The narrator also shares a personal diagnosis of “nervous delirium and acute polishness,” terms that reflect the rudimentary understanding of mental and physical health conditions.

Moreover, the fate of foreigners who passed away was grim, as they were unceremoniously taken downtown and discarded in the "municipal body pile." Such practices highlight the harsh realities and lack of decent burial customs of that time.

In a lighter yet equally surprising revelation, the narrator mentions starting each day with a “tall glass of milk M chewy,” a peculiar detail that adds to the strange customs of the 1800s.

This video is a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, showcasing the stark differences in social and medical practices. Watch "Life in the 1800s (Part 4)" to uncover more astonishing facts and stories from the past.

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