Background photographs are courtesy of the National Library of Medicine; All other images are ©Bruce Evans, 2005. Reproduction for any purpose is not allowed.
About the Program
The Ultimate Presentation and Reference on How Medicine Was Practiced During the American Civil War - And Why!
Explore the world of the Civil War Surgeon in this multi-media presentation. The surgical tools and medications of the mid-19th century are fully explained in historical context with words, music, pictures, and animation. Definitions of unfamiliar terms, primary source historical reference materials, and comments from a modern perspective are one click away as you explore.
The purpose of this program is to present the practice of Civil War Medicine as it was understood and experienced at the time. It is common to hold the practices of nineteenth century physicians in general, and Civil War surgeons in particular, up to explicit or implicit ridicule. It is easy to do so, secure in our vantage point of modern medical knowledge, and all of the additional hard-won advances of the last one hundred and fifty years.
Viewing the Civil War medical and surgical practice only through the gaps between it and modern medicine is, however, an anachronistic practice. It not only demeans the historical participants but makes impossible the ability to see the world through those participants’ eyes before applying the lessons of subsequent knowledge and events. That ability is what allows us to truly experience and learn from history. This program therefore focuses on the contemporary knowledge of the practice of medicine at the time of the Civil War. This historical viewpoint is explored through the background, organization, and duties of the Civil War Surgeon, and the available tools and medications as he understood and used them.
This program is of interest to:
Screenshots and Descriptions
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(Right) This is the main screen of the program, representing the inside of the tent of a Civil War Surgeon. By selecting objects in the tent, the user can explore such areas as the Surgical Set and its uses, the Medicine Chest and the use of its contents, and the classification and treatment of specific medical diseases and surgical treatment of wounds and their complications. The contents of the portable Pocket tool set and Field Medical kit are also available for inspection. In addition, information on the training, organization, and duties of the medical personnel in the field and in Hospital is available. Also available is information on the paperwork that harried Civil War physicians.
See more screenshots and descriptions (with access to larger screenshot images)
(may take a while to load on slow connections)
"I have looked at your CD and am most impressed. It worked perfectly. Nice job!"
"All in all, I think you've done fantastic work on this."
"Absolutely amazing! That's all I can think of to description your creation."
"I just got a chance to look at the CD-Rom, and it is really fabulous."
** Bear in mind that these are folks who are very interested in Civil War Medicine **
Program Requirements
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- Windows 98, ME, or XP
- 366 MHz processor or greater
- 128 MB RAM (192 preferred)
- 10X or faster CD-ROM drive
- 800 x 600 or greater screen resolution; the program window is fixed at 800x600
- Installation is not necessary; the software runs from the CD-ROM
- QuickTime Player® 6.0 or greater is required; an installer for the current version is provided
- Windows 98 and ME users please note: QuickTime® ver. 7 will not run on your version of
Windows. When my current stock is gone I will be obligated to provide only the QuickTime® ver. 7
installer on my CD. Version 6.52 is available from the Apple Computer Website at the following URL:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/quicktime652forwindows.html
Buying the Program
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The price of The Civil War Surgeon CD-Rom is $50.00
plus shipping charge of $3.00 for U.S. customers
A Minnesota sales tax of 6.5% ($3.25) will be added for Minnesota shipping addresses.
If you wish to order by credit card use the "Buy Now" button below:
$50.00 plus $3.00 shipping
(plus MN sales tax if applicable)
If you prefer to pay by check:
Enclose a check (made out to Bruce Evans) for $53.00 plus tax if applicable to:
Bruce Evans
The Civil War Surgeon
2606 Crest Lane SW
Rochester, MN 55902
Your software will be shipped when the check clears, or immediately for a money order or cashier's check.
Contact Information
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The Civil War Surgeon program was designed and created by Bruce A. Evans, M.D.
For questions: E-mail ACWSurgeon