On 16-09-17 08:48, Thomas de Groot wrote:
> On 15-9-2017 17:33, Stephen wrote:
>> On 15/09/2017 12:09, Thomas de Groot wrote:
>>>
>>> Quacksalver: That one is a common word in Dutch: Kwakzalver.
>>
>>
>> That will be where we get quack doctor from. I guess
>>
> 
> I certainly think so. Curiosity taking the overhand, I looked the origin 
> up (Webster):
> 
> obsolete Dutch (now kwakzalver); first known use: 1579.
> 

Second part of the word means he who applies a liniment/ointment (dutch 
word for that is 'zalf'. The change from f to v is common for this word 
ending. A female quack would be a kwakzalfster. Though that word is 
never used as far as I know.
Kwakzalver is absolutely not dead in the Netherlands
We have a society against quacks (http://www.kwakzalverij.nl/) that is 
very vocal against people practicing alternative medicine in ways that 
hurt and even kill patients. Directly or by not giving proven care.

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