Remote & Rural Remedies

"Survey return from James A. Beveridge"

Bunessan, by Aros.

1851.

RCP/COL/4/8/219

James Beveridge was a medical practitioner in Bunessan by Aros.

Bunessan (also known as Bonessan) was a district within the parish of Kilfinichen and Kilvickeon (Kilviceuen). For further information on the whole parish, see the entry for Kilfinichen.

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[[Addressee]]
Dr Beveridge
Bunessan
by Aros

[[Survey]]
QUERIES

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

Ten years

2.¹ (1) What are the ordinary and what(2) the greatest distances which you have to travel in visiting patients?

(1) From 2 to 5. (2) about 20 miles

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

Horse & boat

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

middling in Summer - bad
in winter

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

Improved only in so far as the Medical Officer
for the poor of the Parish is better paid now
than formerly.

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?

On account of the Healthiness of the District one practitioner
could attend to the whole locality save in a few instances

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 inability of the people. The great majority
of whom are either Cottars, or small Crofters paying
under Five Pounds [Sg] of Rent to remunerate the
Practitioner.

[[Additional text]]

James A. Beveridge
1st September 18051
Bunessan
Aros
Argylleshire

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Explanatory notes:

1. The respondent has numbered parts of the sentence.