Health Care Delivery in CT during the Civil War
At the Litchfield History Museum:
Description:
In an era before antisepsis and antibiotics, the devastating effects of a new weapon of destruction called the Minie Ball resulted in more than 55,000 amputations. The effects of this bullet are demonstrated
on wood, pig femur, and muscle with clinical demonstrations. Dr. Ira Spar is a practicing orthopedic and hand surgeon and a member of the Society of Civil War Surgeons.
Date: March 15, 2013
Time: Noon
Location: Litchfield History Museum
Fee: Suggested donation of $5
Registration: Yes, email registration@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org
The Hour of Conflict
This exhibition examines the ways in which the American Civil War impacted the residents of Litchfield, Connecticut in the 1860s. The exhibit incorporates hands-on activities and the opportunity to experience camp life as Litchfield’s men did more than a century and a half ago. Open April 21, 2012 through December 1, 2013.
View the Historical Society Website
Hunted a farm near Gettysburg years ago that was believed to be the site of a field hospital, and found a couple of minnie balls with bite marks (teeth impressions). Was told that this was common given the lack of pain killing medicines available back then. Can’t imagine how bad it must have been….
Highly unlikely and improbable Dick, as effective anaesthesia using ether and chloroform was introduced in 1846/47. Ether (for example) was issued to U.S. military surgeons as early as 1849 – well before the US Civil War began in 1861.
This a story that has been accepted as truth and appeals on all levels, but is it true? I suppose lead poisoning would probably have been a secondary concern in Civil War situations! 🙂