Which is the best definition of poor , as it is used in the passage

How do i can change this sentence : a modern physician in a small town not only is proficient in general medicine but surgery as well. to parallel structure?

What is the metaphor used for captain beatty? what is he being compared to?

Read the passage. when mother’s fever persisted for a week, father summoned our family doctor. dr. blakemore applied leeches to mother’s skin in hopes of reducing the amount of blood in her body. despite the doctor’s efforts, she languished in bed for three more days before her appetite returned and she requested a thin broth. our dear cook, mrs. davis, prepared the broth and delivered it to my mother directly, eager to ease her discomfort. what can readers infer about the time period of the passage?