Endemic disease in 19th century South Carolina, and the general primitiveness of medical knowledge, led to high death rates. Here is Richard Furman's recipe for pills to cure dysentery: "A Recipe for the cure of Dysentery obtained from the Rev. Dr. Furman. Take of Pulverized Rhubarb ad libitum and to every grain add one drop of Laudanum - Make them into Pills of the size of an English Pea, and while still damp roll in Pulverized Ipecacuanha that a portion may adhere to the outer surface of the Pill. Give Three or Four Pills to operate as an active purge + afterwards one Pill every one or two hours as circumstances may require." From the Baptist Historical Collection.
Courtesy of the Furman University Archives Special Collections Department.
