was a small village in Somerset, and its nearest town was probably Crewkherne, remember. In small village and towns of this period you were far more likely to find an apothecary than a physician or surgeon, who would treat illnesses and accidents. An apothecary was a sort of general practitioner who would treat illnesses and also prescribe drugs to the local population.

If you recall in P+P, Meryton is a thriving town with a mayor, but it only has Mr Jones the apothecary to deal with health matters. Miss Bingley wants to send to town( London) for a physician to treat Jane bennet when she is taken ill at Netherfield (Chapter 8). In Emma Mr Perry is also an apothecary. The large towns and spas where were surgeons and physisicans proliferated.

People went to the spas and seaside towns not only to enjoy themselves but for the good of their health. So in places like, Lyme and Bath you were far more likely to see a proliferation of surgeons and physicians who could treat the influx of new patients.

So in Uppercross Anne was sending for the only available medical help there was: an apothecary. In Lyme there would most probably have been more choice ;-)