The plot of “Ionych” reflected through realities of medical work in factories and plants in the early 20th century

On the basis of archival documents the article offers the first reference to the fatal case of a worker which occurred in 1913 in a lead bleaching plant in Yaroslavl region. This incident is noteworthy as it is a vivid reflection of the realities of factory medicine in Russia in the early 20th century. The author pays a special attention to the investigation into the worker's death which was conducted by some officers from the Yaroslavl region. It is concluded that it was “paraprofessionalism” that was to be blamed for the tragic incident: the factory paramedic (medical assistant) from the plant ambulatory had to replace the doctor who neglected his duties. The other cause was imperfect labour regulation which failed to properly stipulate provision in conditions of lead bleaching manufacture.