John Shaw Billings; A Memoir (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1915 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II EXPERIENCES OF A MEDICAL OFFICER DURING THE CIVIL WAR AT the outbreak of the War, Dr. Billings was still demonstrator of anatomy in the Medical College of Ohio, and was debating in his mind the question of going into a surgical partnership with his former preceptor, an opportunity which, in relation to his training in anatomy, opened out unusual chances of success and prosperity. When the crucial moment came, he was not found wanting. In September, 1861, he was invited to appear before the Examining Board for admission to the Medical Corps of the United States Army and some time later was given his examination, ' passing first in the list of candidates. He was appointed First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon on April 16, 1862, and accepted the appointment on July 16th. As General Woodhull, one of his colleagues in the field, has well said: That was his offering, not to politics nor to sectionalism, but to the country. Those young men of 1861 who laid their professional gifts upon the military altar were no less patriotic than the other ingenuous youth whose immediate duty was combat with arms.2 1 The examinations were delayed by lack of vacancies. 2 General Alfred A. Woodhull, Jour. Military Service Inst., Governor's Island, N. Y. H., 1913, liii., 329. Billings's experiences at this examination and subsequently may be given in his own words: In the Fall of 1861, I went to Washington to appear before the Medical Examining Board of the Regular Army. I had graduated from a medical college after a two years' course, each year having exactly the same lectures. I had had two years' hospital experience, and I had been demonstrator of anatomy for two years, so that while I had my doubts about my passing the ordeal of the Army Medical...