Dr Thomas Lucas is a familiar figure at the Archives. In 2013, we published extracts from his diary, written in the early nineteenth century. These diaries provide a valuable account of life in Stirling by recording local events and news that survive nowhere else.
Lucas was a surgeon who lived at Marieville on Upper Bridge Street, Stirling. A prominent member of local society, he was both a Freeman of the Burgh and a member of the Merchant Guildry of Stirling.
Whilst cataloguing the papers of Mathie, MacLuckie and Lupton, another intriguing record relating to Dr Lucas was found: a receipt issued to Mr Robert Cragie for the “opening of a venereal bubo in your daughter’s groin”, dating from 1795.
A bubo is a swollen lymph node, most commonly associated with bubonic plague. Buboes can appear in the neck, armpit or groin. As the receipt specifically refers to a venereal bubo in the groin, it is reasonable to conclude that the condition was related to a sexually transmitted infection.
The treatment prescribed is set out clearly in the account. On 21 November, ointments, mercurial pills and cooling powders were administered. Mercury-based medicines were commonly used during this period, particularly in the treatment of diseases such as syphilis. Further applications of ointments, cooling powders and mercurial pills continued until 16 December.
The total cost of treatment charged to Robert Cragie was £1. 12s. 8d.
