18th century Whitehaven was devastated by outbreaks of contagious fever and smallpox. Joshua Dixon, physician of the Whitehaven dispensary from 1783 to1823, devoted his life to the care of the sick poor of the town and to the prevention of the spread of infectious disease. Dixon’s strategies were uncompromising. Visiting the sick was forbidden. Stagnant air was purified by exploding gunpowder, and health restored by liberal quantities of wine. Dixon pioneered the use of quinine and digitalis in his practice and introduced an early vaccination clinic for the prevention of smallpox. Dixon’s annual reports are a record of the medical and social fabric of 18th century Whitehaven. They contain graphic accounts of the deprivation and poverty of the time. Dixon discusses many topics still relevant today, including health inequalities between rich and poor, end of life care and anti-vaxers. His basic humanity and strong Christian faith shine through in these unique reports.

Dr. Dixon’s Casebook is an edited version of the annual reports of the Whitehaven Dispensary, 1783-1822.

Dr. Michael Sydney practised as a physician in the town of Whitehaven and in West Cumbria from 1974-2019.

This book can be ordered on line.