If you think the state of American healthcare is bad now, well, you’re right. But things could be worse. Back in the 1800s, doctors were smoking in your face, recommending heroin, putting leeches on you, and upholstery was something rich people sat on at home. So in the doctor’s examination room, you’d be sitting on this comfortable thing:
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That is a remarkably well-preserved antique medical examination table, circa late 1800s, recently sold by antiques dealer Mazzocca Bros. As the description reads:
“Quartersawn oak, fully functioning antique medical examination table, including adjustable back rest, leg rests, four pull through drawers, one cabinet, and one swivel cabinet with glass shelves, and including original hardware and castors. Two foot rest brackets replaced (not visible), top likely refinished at some point in its long past, and foot stirrups have been lost to time, although pull out clamps remain intact and functional. Table tilts up and down and side to side using foot pedals.”
It is possible, of course, that the chair/table came with pillows on it. (It’s also possible that they had no idea how germs were transmitted and never washed those pillows.)
Source: core77