Imagine you are a ship’s surgeon on a 1700’s sailing vessel during a long sea voyage. Does that sound glamorous and full of adventure? Think again. This book, part of the “Crabtree Connections” series, makes history come alive for young readers. The job of ship’s surgeon is not for the weak, inexperienced or faint-hearted. A ship’s surgeon has to be ready for any emergency: a fall from the rigging, broken bones, head injuries, frostbite, near drowning and battle wounds. He also must deal with conditions caused by living in a crowded, unsanitary ship: tooth decay and extractions, boils that form on filthy skin, wounds that won’t heal and start to rot, stomach trouble, seasickness, coughs, colds and flu. Finally, there are other conditions to consider: cabin fever or an illness called calenture that causes hallucinations. So what supplies should a well-stocked medicine chest have? All sorts of dried herbs, bark from certain medicinal trees, honey, wine, even apothecary-made concoctions containing dried snake, lizard or dragon’s blood (you will have to read the book to find out what that is!). Don’t forget tools like a blood bowl, saw, a trepan which can make holes in the skull, probes, forceps, etc. The book’s attractive format includes photo illustrations, drawings and lots of color, compelling text, extensive glossary, index plus suggestions for more great reads about life at sea. Very well recommended, though not for the “easily queasy.” We should have more books like this one. Reviewer: Judy Crowder