what is (or was) a bone-setter (in the 18th century)? Any other explanation than 'an unlicenced physician..'

Question

i have searched most (Brititsh English) dictionaries and wikipaedia (wikipedia) and found nothing but the initial explanation.

The "bone-setter" I am looking for, MAY be some sort of weapon? It is in respect of an 18th century woman who found journeys in her coach treacherous and therefore "found a bone-setter a necessary equipage for country visiting..."

Answer 1

According to an 1811 dictionary, a bonesetter is a hard-trotting horse. I assume this means a strong, fast horse that would make short work of the uneven roads, mud, etc.
http://www.fromoldbooks.org/Grose-VulgarTongue/b/bonesetter.html

On the other hand, depending on the context, the lady may be anticipating such a rough and bumpy ride that she feels an "unlicenced physician" who sets bones might play an important part in her arriving in one piece!

That's all I could find; hope it makes sense.

Answer 2

as far as i am aware a bone setter was a kind of barber surgeon..ie..he set broken bones i the 18th.century people had accidents quite often so needed bones set they could,nt afford the doctor, so the bone setter was called.

Answer 3

it sounds like a "Black jack" or a "Cosh"

see the wikipedia article below