Of course, the surgeons shipped by virtue of the Rule of 1717 had noth- 

 ing in common with the illustrious surgeons of the royal navy. Possessing 

 only a modest knowledge., they were often barbers, sometimes even sorcer- 

 ers, rather than true surgeons. They were required to take a simple exam- 

 ination before two master surgeons designated for this purpose by the admi- 

 ral in all the ports of the kingdom. 



The surgeon had the rank of officer. Theoretically he enjoyed on board 

 a legitimate professional independence, not being required to take part in 

 sailing manoeuveurs or the work of the crew. Actually there is plenty of 

 evidence that the captain required him to cut cod, which seems to establish 

 that most of the surgeons accepted voluntarily, and on condition of a just 

 supplementary remuneration, the exercise of this function which required 

 great steadiness of hand. Perhaps they were often even greater experts in 

 this field than in that for which they were hired. 



The surgeon was required to report to the captain daily on the health of 

 the crew, and to notify him, in particular, concerning contagious diseases 

 which ought to be isolated. He kept a journal which, on return, had to be 

 presented to the port commissioner with a certificate from the captain. These 

 two things were required in support of new applications for shipping, which 

 left little doubt about the professional independence of the surgeon compared 

 to the captain. 



The surgeon supplied a cabinet of medicines which was, at first, the ob- 

 ject of frequent frauds, either by want of items, or more especially by sub- 

 stitution of products, so that a detailed regulation had to be instituted for its 

 shipping and its charge. 



On long voyages, as well as for the great fishery, the position of the 

 surgeon was soon found to be poorly paid. Also, during the course of the 

 18th century, recruitment became more and more difficult, constituting a 

 great source of worry for the outfitters, whose recriminations became in- 

 cessant. These grievances were officially rejected by a declaration of Nov- 

 ember 15, 17 67 which confirmed and clarified the requirements of the Ordi- 

 nance of 1681 and the Rule of 1717. But, in fact, a great deal of tolerance 

 was used up to the time of the Revolution, and the vessels on which one found 

 a surgeon became the exception, at least for the great fishery. 



35 



