The Duncan & Coe History Show: Episode Summary – "Rabbit Holes"

Release Date: November 21, 2024
Host/Authors: Mike Duncan and Alexis Coe

1. Introduction and Personal Updates

The episode opens with Mike Duncan and Alexis Coe welcoming listeners back to The Duncan & Coe History Show. Mike shares a personal update about his recent battle with severe kidney stones, recounting his hospitalization from Tuesday to Friday of the previous week. He humorously acknowledges Alexis's assistance during his absence.

[00:17] Alexis Coe: "You did not die from any of those things. You're here, so you survived and you weren't suffering from sepsis or poodle or talking too much, which is amazing."

Mike elaborates on his health struggles, drawing parallels between historical medical practices and his own experience with kidney stones.

[00:31] Mike Duncan: "...when I was trying to finish the Lafayette manuscript that took me into the hospital in France... but this time there were additional complications."

2. Historical Medical Practices

The conversation shifts to historical medicine, specifically surgical procedures in the 18th and 19th centuries. Mike and Alexis discuss the dangers of barber surgeons, who often performed surgeries without proper anesthesia or hygienic practices, leading to high mortality rates.

[01:37] Alexis Coe: "The barber surgeon... could bleed you to death... Did they use a hammer and a nail?"

Mike responds by clarifying the actual historical practices, dispelling myths about the use of primitive tools like hammers and nails in surgeries.

[01:56] Mike Duncan: "No, they did not use. There were no hammers or nails involved."

They highlight specific historical figures, such as James K. Polk, who endured excruciating pain during his bladder stone surgery in 1812 without anesthesia.

[02:05] Alexis Coe: "James K. Polk... had bladder stones removed... it was pre-Anesthesia."

3. The Evolution of Medical Technology

Mike expresses his appreciation for modern medicine, contrasting it with historical practices. He acknowledges his skepticism towards technology but reaffirms his belief in the advancements of contemporary medical practices.

[03:09] Mike Duncan: "Modern medicine is the greatest thing in the world... little tiny cameras and lasers... under anesthesia."

However, he briefly touches upon the societal shifts that might threaten these advancements.

[04:04] Mike Duncan: "Maybe we will [abolish modern medicine]."

4. Language Evolution: The Word "Slut"

A significant portion of the episode delves into the historical usage of the word "slut." Alexis introduces this topic through her research endeavors, uncovering how the term was used differently in historical texts compared to its modern connotation.

[09:07] Alexis Coe: "What do you think of when I say slut?"

[10:12] Mike Duncan: "And so now I'm just back. I'm like...akin to a dog."

They explore letters from founding fathers like Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, revealing that "slut" was used to describe dogs rather than its current derogatory meaning towards women.

[10:58] Mike Duncan: "...the word slut is like this lexical chameleon."

Alexis cites specific examples from historical documents, including a 1798 letter from Frederick Kitt describing a deceased dog as "our little slut."

[10:12] Alexis Coe: "Kit writes... our little slut died in the straw."

5. Research Methods and Rabbit Holes

The hosts discuss their research methodologies, particularly their use of platforms like Founders Online and Wikipedia. Alexis highlights the value of Founders Online for accessing digitized primary sources, while Mike describes his own experience navigating Wikipedia rabbit holes.

[06:20] Alexis Coe: "Founders Online is the National Archives... they've digitized almost everything."

[24:04] Mike Duncan: "I'm a compulsive link clicker inside of Wikipedia... ended up back directly to you."

Mike shares an anecdote about his Wikipedia exploration starting with Michael Caine’s political views, leading him through a series of interconnected historical topics.

[25:32] Mike Duncan: "What is a sylph?... Parcelis... laudanum... Mary Todd Lincoln."

6. The Limits and Benefits of Wikipedia

While appreciating Wikipedia as a starting point for discovery, both hosts acknowledge its limitations. They emphasize that Wikipedia should not be the final authority but rather a gateway to deeper research.

[34:22] Mike Duncan: "It's always... the beginning of any voyage of discovery. It is not the destination."

Alexis concurs, noting that while Wikipedia can introduce users to new concepts and figures, critical evaluation and further research are essential.

[36:07] Alexis Coe: "It's a pretty wild and worthwhile ride."

7. Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Wrapping up the episode, Mike and Alexis encourage listeners to share their own online research adventures and rabbit holes. They promote their social media presence, inviting audience interaction.

[37:24] Alexis Coe: "I want to know what listeners like to do online... hit us up."

Mike humorously reflects on the unpredictable nature of online research, likening it to a journey that can lead to unexpected and intriguing destinations.

[36:15] Mike Duncan: "I think so. And it is always something that I will enjoy doing."

8. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alexis Coe [00:17]: "You did not die from any of those things. You're here, so you survived and you weren't suffering from sepsis or poodle or talking too much, which is amazing."

• Mike Duncan [03:09]: "Modern medicine is the greatest thing in the world... little tiny cameras and lasers... under anesthesia."

• Alexis Coe [10:12]: "Kit writes... our little slut died in the straw."

• Mike Duncan [24:04]: "I'm a compulsive link clicker inside of Wikipedia... ended up back directly to you."

• Alexis Coe [36:07]: "It's a pretty wild and worthwhile ride."

Key Takeaways

• Historical Context Matters: Words and practices from the past, such as the term "slut" or medical surgeries, had different meanings and implications than today. Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate historical interpretation.

• Research Tools: Platforms like Founders Online and Wikipedia are invaluable for historians, offering access to primary sources and facilitating exploratory research through interconnected topics.

• Evolving Language: The evolution of language demonstrates how societal perceptions shift over time, necessitating careful examination of historical documents to grasp intended meanings.

• Balancing Technology and Tradition: While modern advancements, especially in medicine, have significantly reduced suffering, there is an ongoing dialogue about the role of technology and its impact on society.

Conclusion

In "Rabbit Holes," Mike Duncan and Alexis Coe seamlessly blend personal anecdotes with deep historical analysis, illustrating how modern researchers navigate the vast landscapes of historical data. Their exploration of language evolution and research methodologies offers listeners both educational insights and relatable experiences, embodying the show's mission to leave "no stone unturned, no sacred cow un-tipped."