Calomel, a compound of mercury chloride, was a common medication in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It functioned primarily as a purgative and was believed to cure a wide array of ailments. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, its mention reflects the common medical practices of the time. The reference illustrates the available remedies and health beliefs prevalent in the Southern United States during the story’s setting.
The significance of this reference resides in its ability to ground the narrative in a specific historical and cultural context. It showcases the limited medical knowledge and reliance on now-discredited treatments. By including this detail, the author enhances the realism of the setting and provides insight into the daily lives and potential health challenges faced by the characters. This detail contributes to the overall depiction of the time period’s social and medical landscape.
