“There Is So Little Pro and So Much Contra Here”. On the Relations Between Physicians and Feldshers in the Płock Governorate (1864–1914)

In the second half of the 19th century, the medical staff consisted of doctors, paramedics and midwives. However, the number of doctors was disproportionate to the number of doctors, which is why a significant part of the population of the Kingdom of Poland, including the Płock Governorate, did not have access to medical advice. In life-threatening situations, many people used the help of paramedics and healers. Over time, the paramedic, who was supposed to be a doctor’s assistant, began to compete with him. The article presents the relations that prevailed between doctors and paramedics in the Płock Governorate in the post-uprising period, the realities of provincial doctor’s work and the reasons for the shortage of doctors in rural areas. The text of the article characterizes the activities of paramedics and provides examples indicating the existing conflict between doctors and paramedics.