I don't know what got me wondering about this, but for some reason or another I began thinking if I had a little black bag and did house calls what would I put in it? I was just wondering if anyone knows what docs used to carry in them (the bare essentials vs. perhaps todays doc with an AED) or better yet what everyone here would make sure is in the bag.

For sures:
Stethoscope
Sphygmomanometer
Thermometer
Reflex Hammers
Pen Light
Measuring Tape
Suture/Staple Kit
Common drugs/Emergency drugs

One example:

* Street map
* Stethoscope
* Blood pressure cuffs (regular and large)
* Pen light
* Tongue depressors
* Otoscope
* Prescription pad
* Phone numbers (offices, pharmacies, etc.)
* Cell phone, PDA, etc.
* Dictaphone/forms/progress notes
* Extra pens

Source: http://www.aafp.org/fpm/20000600/49hous.html

Surgilube, a stethoscope if there's room left.

Surgilube, a stethoscope if there's room left.
That's a lot of lube, man. What are you . . . wait, no, I don't want to know.