The Young Medics

Great to have so many young medics from Taiwan in the clinic.  Lots of sharing.  Very enthusiastic bunch.  They are on a study tour and will be visiting the Orang Asli camps.  

Happy learning and Happy holiday!

Pewter Pitcher

Pewter is primarily an alloy of tin, with small amounts of other metals for durability.  Modern pewter is lead-free and safe to use. It consists of 95% tin, along with copper and antimony.  Pewter is easy to shape.

The first pewter pitchers were produced in Europe, where they served wine and provided water during travel, especially on boats and ships.  Pewter pitchers remained popular throughout early American history, serving water, milk, and other beverages in homes.  During the Victorian era, they were used for social gatherings and parties.

 

Quill Pen

 

Quill pens have a rich history dating back to the 6th century. These elegant writing tools were widely used during the Middle Ages and even played a role in significant historical moments. Crafted from bird feathers, particularly those of swans, geese, and turkeys, quill pens were prized for their durability and ability to hold ink. Writers would sharpen the feather's tip, hollow out a small section to hold ink, and then dip it into an ink bottle. The quill pen's reign eventually gave way to fountain pens, which allowed continuous writing without frequent ink refills. Still, the quill pen remains a symbol of education, literature, and artistic expression.

The addition of a metal nib to quill pens occurred during the 17th century. This innovation allowed for more precise writing and improved ink flow. The metal nib replaced the traditional feather tip, making quill pens even more versatile.