Lewis Reviews Supplies at Pittsburgh

While still awaiting the keelboat, Lewis reviewed the expedition’s medical supplies prepared under the guidance of Dr. Benjamin Rush of Philadelphia. The medicine chest contained laudanum, mercury pills (“Rush’s Thunderbolts”), Peruvian bark (quinine), and various other remedies considered essential for a journey through unknown wilderness.

Dr. Rush had also provided Lewis with a list of health rules and questions to ask Native peoples about their medical practices.