The American Civil War was one of this country's most horrible wars. Men
on both sides were killed or maimed in immense numbers. More amputations
were performed in this war because of new ammunition whose speed tore
extremities to shreds. At the beginning of the war, ambulances were few
in number and there were no field hospitals. Those who were wounded in
thoracic or abdominal cavities or sustained head wounds had mortal
injuries. Usually, they were placed in a quiet place to die and given
morphine to dull the pain. Men who received gunshot wounds to the
extremities had an overall mortality rate of 26%. There was no sterile
technique for surgery nor were there any antibiotics. There were no
professional nurses and medical education for physicians was lacking.
Infections, hemorrhage, and shock were common. In addition to trauma, the
troops suffered from other conditions that added to the death toll.
Dysentery, diarrhea, scurvy, malnutrition, malaria, typhoid fever,
measles, pneumonia, consumption, and mumps all contributed to the misery
of those in the military.

The Civil War Exhibit will be on display at the Arizona Health Sciences Library from July 31 - Setpember 30 2004.