Images of Civil War Medicine: A Photographic History

This thin volume (191 pages) is a testament to mediocrity. And given the title, Images of Civil War Medicine, I will admit that a ghoulish interest in seeing photos of horrible Civil War wounds led me to request this book from the Early Readers freebies. Perhaps then it served me right that the book only contains a handful of such photos.

Instead the book mainly consists of photos of Civil War hospitals, surgeons, educators, and nurses. The text provides straightforward (not to say turgid) descriptions of each category. That the book steadfastly avoids flights of flowery rhetoric is best evidenced by the title of chapter 4 "A Variety of Topics".

The book does provide some interesting information, for example about the ambulance system show more that was developed only after two years of brutal warfare demonstrated the absolute necessity for such conveyances. Devoted Civil War buffs (and I don't like that term much, but it's better than fanatics) may find the book of some interest. Likewise close students of medical history. Everyone else will meet their needs by a quick browse. show less

The book was well -written and informative. While it did not bring to light much that is new to the discourse regarding Civil War medicine, it was well-researched and engaging. My biggest problem with the book is the reproduction of the photographic images. It is ironic that the book focuses on Civil War medical imagery and then the publishers choose the cheapest, least adaptive paper for the reproduction of drawings and photographs. Mr. Dammann was done a disservice. The pictures were so mottled and blurred because of the paper stock chosen for the book, that they were useless as companion pieces to the narrative.

90% Civil War Portraits, 10% Medical Photography

(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Library Thing’s Early Reviewer program.)

Though IMAGES OF CIVIL WAR MEDICINE: A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY sounds as though it should be packed with images of, well, Civil War medicine, it’s surprisingly light on photographs of medical procedures, instruments, disorders, and injuries. Instead, a majority of the photos are of people (soldiers, doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel) and places (make-shift hospitals, encampments, and battlefields), resulting in a less gruesome – and interesting – volume than the title would lead you to expect.

In IMAGES OF CIVIL WAR MEDICINE, authors and Civil War buffs Gordon show more Dammann and Alfred Jay Bollett give a brief overview of the state of medicine during the American Civil War. The written word takes a backseat to the myriad Civil War-era photos, particularly of medical staff and volunteers. Indeed, those interested in the history of photography, and Civil War photography in particular, will mostly likely find this to be an invaluable resource.

However, I am neither. I had hoped to learn more about this history of specific medical procedures, but was disappointed to find that a majority of the photos do not involve the actual practice of medicine, but rather are of medical practitioners. In fact, only one chapter (“Wounds and Diseases”) deals with Civil War medicine – and it’s the last chapter, at that! The other seven chapters leading up to “Wounds and Diseases” mostly deal with people and places – medical educators, nurses and volunteers, the US Sanitary Commission, dentists, morticians, ambulances, field hospitals, etc. While I found the topics somewhat interesting, the coverage was superficial. In particular, I thought the chapter on nursing was fascinating, but the subject was only given passing attention. This is understandable for a book that deals primarily with images; however, since I wasn’t impressed with the variety of photos, I found myself relying on the text more than I might otherwise.

Overall, I give IMAGES OF CIVIL WAR MEDICINE three stars. The volume contains an impressive number of Civil War photos, as promised; unfortunately, the variety of subjects in these photographs is lacking.

http://www.easyvegan.info/2008/01/03/images-of-civil-war-medicine-by-gordon-damm... show less

I obtained this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. The authors, Gordon Dammann, DDS, and Alfred Jay Bollet, MD, are Civil War buffs and collectors. Photos from Dr. Dammann’s collection are used to illustrate the infrastructure and the people involved in Civil War medicine.

I worried a bit about requesting this one – I find the (American) Civil War fascinating, but I am somewhat squeamish when it comes to anything medical. However, as others have pointed out, the title is a bit misleading. Most of the photos have nothing to do with the practice of medicine. The book contains only a few photos of gruesome wounds, and those are in the final chapter.

This book serves as a good overview of the topic, and would be useful show more for re-enactors, but will be disappointing to medical professionals expecting an in-depth discussion of medical procedures.

The following chapters are included: Development of photography; Medical educators; Nursing; Ambulances and field hospitals; Cartes de Visite of the Civil War; Hospitals; Wounds and Diseases. A chapter titled “A Variety of Topics” covers the US Sanitary Commission, US Christian Commission, dentistry, Confederate army dentistry, and embalming.

The authors have sprinkled fascinating tidbits through the book: the origin of the term 4-F, the reasons for the high number of amputations, the development of military hospitals and ambulances.

I would have liked more details: How did they provision the hospitals? What did they do with all of those amputated limbs? What training was required of the doctors and nurses? More detail on some of the key players would be good too – someone should write a good biography of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Medal of Honor recipient.

Overall I found this very interesting and a nice addition to my Civil War books. show less

My great great grandfather served in the Massachusetts 32nd Infantry and died in a Union field hospital in Alexandria, Virginia. Like most Civil War casualties, he died of disease, not of gunshot. So it was with great interest that I read Dammann's photographic history of Civil War medicine. Although I did not find a photograph of the specific hospital or attending surgeon that worked on my ancestor -- a long shot hope I had entertained -- I did find much here that brought to light this aspect of the Civil War and gave me a better appreciation for life and death in the field hospitals.

"Images of Civil War Medicine" is an important reference for family historians with ancestors killed or injured in the Civil War.

“Images of Civil War Medicine” provides a general overview of the US Civil War era of medical history. This book would be best appreciated by those who want a basic introduction to US Civil War medicine or those who are interested in the development of photography in that era. Those who want in-depth information should look elsewhere.

I found the photographs to be rather disappointing - too many portrait-style photos and not enough medical images to suit my interests. Also, I was expecting more information about the developments in medicine and surgery during this era.

Overall, “Images of Civil War Medicine” was interesting and I’m glad I read it, but I preferred “Gangrene and Glory" for the subject area of US Civil War show more medicine. show less

This book, Images of Civil War Medicine, is an interesting read with many amazing photos of civil war nurses, doctors, facilities, and more. The photos are by far the best part of the book and really bring to life what civil war era medicine was like.

The book itself is easy to read and understand. It tends to read like an encyclopedia or textbook would, but less boring. The book provides a brief overview of the many topics that are encompassed under the heading of "civil war medicine." If you are looking for an indepth read on this subject, then this may not be the book for you.

I loved the section on the women's contribution to the civil war via the medical route and the pictures were great. Honestly, I cannot say enough about the show more photos in this book. They are unique and interesting and you are really able to see what it was like way back then. I would have loved to read more about the nurses but the section was a good introduction to the subject and provided me with some new information.

This is a great little collection of photographs and information on everything dealing with civil war medicine. It is not an indepth study, nor does it claim to be one, but it gives a great overview of the main features and aspectes of medicine during that time period and what it was like for those involved.

I think anyone interested in this subject, or the civil war in general, should take a look at this book, if only to see the photos. show less