
In the bustling streets of 1670 Boston, a slender, quick‑eyed apothecary named Dr. Bullivant opens his shop beneath a gilded bust of Aesculapius. The shopfront, a kaleidoscope of painted signs and exotic wares, draws a curious crowd eager for the promised panacea of youth and vigor. Bullivant’s wares are as much about wit as medicine—each vial is paired with a dry joke, each dose of salts carries a pinch of satire. Through his eyes, the narrative paints a vivid portrait of a society where grim Puritan seriousness meets the first stirrings of a more worldly, humor‑laden New England.
Listeners will wander through the cobbled lanes of colonial life, hearing the clash of earnest sermons and the rustle of market gossip, all filtered through Bullivant’s sharp, playful voice. The story balances meticulous historical detail with a light‑hearted critique of early American attitudes toward health, faith, and folly. It offers a charming glimpse into a world where laughter is the most potent remedy of all.
Full title
Dr. Bullivant (From: "The Doliver Romance and Other Pieces: Tales and Sketches")
Language
en
Duration
~18 minutes (17K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger and Al Haines.
Release date
2005-11-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1804–1864
Best known for dark, beautifully crafted classics like The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables, this major American writer explored guilt, secrecy, and the moral pressure of life in Puritan New England. His stories mix psychological depth with a haunting sense of history that still feels fresh today.
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