Description
Book SynopsisA memoir of the experiences of the Grenfell Mission's resident physician in North West River, this book presents a portrait of Labrador society in accord with the traditional rhythms of trapping and fishing. It also chronicles the demands of northern medicine in response to pervasive threats such as tuberculosis and deficiency diseases.
Trade Review"Romantic, adventurer, a doctor who made house calls across hundreds of miles, Harry Paddon belongs to a long-vanished, breed. His memoir reveals to readers not just the challenges, from the climatic to the demographic, of pre-Confederation Labrador but also topics as varied as the behaviour of sled-dogs, the origins of beri-beri, and how to survive black flies. All of this is set into context by an exceptional introduction by Ronald Romkey. Richard Gwyn, author and columnist "An elaborate reconstruction from journal-letters circulated to members of Dr Paddon's family in Great Britain and from various articles he published throughout his career. The description of medical practices, methods of travel, community life, and Dr Paddon's experiences during the influenza epidemic of 1918-19 make this book a valuable resource. Rompkey has done a fine job of annotating the book, providing explanations of the specialized vocabulary unique to Newfoundland and Labrador, identifying individuals mentioned in the text, producing maps to help readers follow Paddon's extensive travels, and concluding with a list of Paddon's publications. Margaret Conrad, Department of History, Acadia University "The Labrador Memoir of Dr Harry Paddon, 19121939 adds to the extensive travel literature on Labrador and also highlights the rigours of social conditions between 1912 and 1938. This is a welcome addition to the literature." John Crellin, author of Home Medicine: The Newfoundland Experience
