The Village Doctor

The past has been coming to life at the Village Doctor (De Dorpsdokter) museum in Hilvarenbeek for over 25 years. The historic building under a picturesque mill has been split into two exhibits. Woolly mammoth bones give a hint at prehistoric times and the rich Roman Catholic culture of the area is illustrated through a variety of antique items, but it's really the country doctor's medical odds and ends that deserve the most attention here. Apart from a collection of fascinating medical pictures and books, there are a number of horrific instruments guaranteed to give any visitor the creeps. These days a skilled carpenter could use these saws and pliers to build a beautiful house, but only a century and a half ago these were the standard tools of the trade used by a country doctor who often had to serve as a surgeon, gynaecologist, dentist, midwife, ophthalmologist and pharmacist all in one. Unfortunately, the explanations of the implements are only available in Dutch.