The American Civil War raged on from 1861 to 1865 and is sadly remembered as one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history. Tragedy, however, can often breed innovation – especially when that tragedy comes with a high human cost such as the American Civil War.
Many medical developments were made during the war to help save the lives of soldiers who fell on the battlefield. Our featured artifact this month hearkens back to that era. This Civil War surgical kit, complete with amputation saw, contains all the items necessary to help save a life on the battlefield. Long metal probes were used to help extract bullets from gunshot wounds, and various knives and saws were used to amputate a limb when necessary.
Unfortunately, the handles of these items are made from Gutta Percha, a hard rubber like plastic, that was prone to the growth of germs and bacteria. During the era of the Civil War, little was known about sterilization and protections from bacteria, and tools were not cleaned between use. As a result, infection was common.
However, with the prevalence of injuries of a serious nature, doctors learned better methods and treatments became more successful. With the scientific study over the next several decades, a huge increase in knowledge brought about better surgical methods.
This Civil War era surgical kit is on display in the medical room at the GCHS museum along with many other artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Even in our lifetimes, the advances in medical and surgical treatments have been tremendous and it is an amazing experience to see how far we have come in such a short period of time.
Keep an eye out on our website and face book page for more information on our Opening Day, April 30, 2022, and other events and presentations throughout the season. On Opening Day and at our annual Harvest Festival, held the second weekend in October, you will be able to see several Civil War reenactments, and in October possibly a presentation on Civil War medicine!
