An old-fashioned medical office

Inhaling a fragrance reminiscent of root beer, a group of fourth-graders agreed that sassafras tea wouldn't be so bad compared to the shiny black leeches in the next room.

During a recent visit to the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop in downtown Fredericksburg, students from Holy Cross Academy in Stafford County considered those and other 18th-century prescriptions for thinning one's blood in the spring.

"Kids love leeches and smelling things," said historical interpreter Pam Calvin.

Open to the public since 1928, the shop shows what medicine -- including surgery, dentistry and pharmacy -- was like in the 18th century, said site coordinator Genevieve Bugay. The building, built between 1771 and 1772, receives about 10,000 to 15,000 visitors a year.

Tours are conducted in a first-person context, Bugay said, "to make it seem as though you are visiting the doctor and are being shown around while the doctor is out."

While showing students various herbal treatments designed to soothe or prompt an upward or downward purge, historical interpreter Pat Fish added that about 75 percent of what is displayed is still used today.

In the doctor's medical office, Calvin enlisted the aid of two young volunteers to demonstrate an amputation. Gasps and shrieks rose as she picked up a large, handheld bone saw for completing the task.

"The last thing the doctor is going to do is he's going to take that severed limb and give it to the patient's family so they can take it home and give it a good Christian burial," Calvin said.

The Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities has operated Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, at 1020 Caroline St., since 1979. The group also owns several other historic sites in Fredericksburg -- the Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern and St. James' House.

Admission at each site is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-18. Multiple-site discount tickets are available. For more information, call the Fredericksburg Visitor Center at 540-373-1776. Contact Melodie N. Martin at (804) 649-6290 or .