Tag Archives: medicine

Chloroform: Uses and Effects, Part 2

Posted on September 2, 2021 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Click here to read Part 1 The medical volumes are helpful for understanding the theories of how chloroform was supposed to be used, but what about the actual experience of soldiers put under its influence for an operation? And why … Continue reading →

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Chloroform: Uses and Effects, Part 1

Posted on September 1, 2021 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Did chloroform cause patients to hallucinate? The simple question stemmed from some late-night fiction writing of mine in which a character endures a somewhat prophetic nightmare while supposedly on an operating table under the influence of chloroform. While the fictional … Continue reading →

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“Swarming with maggots” – Assistant Surgeon Samuel Melcher and the Care of the Wounded at Wilson’s Creek

Posted on March 27, 2021 by Kristen M. Trout

As the first major engagement fought west of the Mississippi River, the 1861 Battle of Wilson’s Creek (fought August 10, 1861) was known for being a particularly desperate, hard-fought battle that resulted in nearly 20% casualties on both sides. For … Continue reading →

Posted in Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Emerging Civil War, Medical, Personalities, Primary Sources, Trans-Mississippi | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Sally Louisa Tompkins: Nurse, Philanthropist, Captain

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Paige Gibbons Backus

Throughout history, women have been pushed into extraordinary situations, rising to the challenge and earning their place in the history. Women’s History Month is dedicated to celebrating the perseverance of women throughout history and today as we strive to overcome … Continue reading →

Posted in Civilian, Medical, Memory | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion

Posted on January 25, 2019 by Paige Gibbons Backus

When it comes to primary resources regarding Civil War medicine, one of the best sources available to researchers is the The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865. The history grew out of what was known as … Continue reading →

Posted in Common Soldier, Emerging Civil War, Emerging Civil War Series, Material Culture, Medical, Primary Sources | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Christmas in the Hospitals: Bringing Cheer to a Dreary Holidays

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Paige Gibbons Backus

It is never fun to spend the holidays in the hospital and it was no different during the Civil War. Soldiers in pain from battle wounds or suffering from diseases or infections, sometimes exasperated by wartime shortages, made the holiday … Continue reading →

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A Review of Mercy Street: The Miniseries That Could Have Been Worse

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Paige Gibbons Backus

Today we’re pleased to welcome guest author Paige Gibbons Backus, the Historic Site Manager for Ben Lomond Historic Site, a Civil War hospital museum located in Manassas, Virginia. The Civil War is arguably one of the most studied subjects in American history. … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil War in Pop Culture, Civilian, Common Soldier, Medical | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

For Want of Safe Evacuation

Posted on May 2, 2015 by Meg Groeling

While working on my thesis recently, I was reading Medical Recollections of the Army of the Potomac by Dr. Letterman. He offered a brief note about the wounding of Stonewall Jackson at the battle of Chancellorsville:

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Symposium Preview: Meg Thompson and “The Legacy of Caring”

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Liam McGurl

Emerging Civil War will hold its second symposium August 7-9 at Stevenson Ridge.  In honor of the event, six guest speakers are scheduled to address topics relating to this year’s theme, “Civil War Legacies.” One person bringing her spunky personality … Continue reading →

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Hood Remembered: Meg Groeling

Posted on November 25, 2014 by Meg Groeling

It is not two years since the sight of a person who had lost one of his lower limbs was an infrequent occurrence. Now, Alas! there are few of us who have not a cripple among our friends if not … Continue reading →

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