MACKINAC ISLAND, MICH. — Mackinac Island is marking an essential milestone this 12 months: The two hundredth anniversary of an accident that grew to become a turning level in medical science.
In 1822 a younger French-Canadian fur dealer named Alexis St. Martin was unintentionally shot within the abdomen on Mackinac Island. Dr. William Beaumont, the put up surgeon at Fort Mackinac, saved his life — and although St. Martin remained completely injured, the wound healed with a everlasting opening to the abdomen, giving Beaumont a window into the workings of human digestion.
Beaumont’s ensuing experiments and research with St. Martin offered a basis of information that without end impacted the understanding of the digestive system.
To have a good time this anniversary, the Dr. Beaumont Museum contained in the American Fur Co. Retailer — the historic web site the place St. Martin was shot — has been fully reworked, with a brand new exhibit detailing Beaumont’s experiments and the scientific course of.
“We’re excited to replace this exhibit as a part of our bicentennial celebration of this essential occasion in medical historical past,” mentioned Steve Brisson, Mackinac State Historic Parks director.
As a part of the bicentennial, the American Fur Co. Retailer & Dr. Beaumont Museum could have an up to date brand, and a particular occasion will likely be held to thank those that helped assist the brand new exhibit, particularly Mackinac Associates, in accordance with Mackinac State Historic Parks.
The American Fur Co. Retailer and Dr. Beaumont Museum will open for the 2022 season on June 4.
Extra data at mackinacparks.com.
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