Remarks on army surgeons and their works / by Charles Alexander Gordon.

  • Gordon, C. A. (Charles Alexander), Sir, 1821-1899.
Date:
1870
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Remarks on army surgeons and their works / by Charles Alexander Gordon. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    frecjueiitly been deplored by medical officers, many of wlioin have submitted projiosals witli a view to check its occun-ence. Lempriere and Dr. Gordon, of the 13tli boot, wrote on this painful subject towards the end of last century; so also did llobert Jackson, and more recently Henry Marshall. In fact, there has scarcely been a medical oflicer who has not urged the necessity of measures being taken for the repression of the vice; and to their advocacy the soldier is indebted for canteens. Punishments.—Dr. Hamilton was perhajis the first writer who raised a voice against the severity of, and indiscriminate manner in which, previous to, and in, his time, militaiy j>unishrnents were inflicted. He especially condemned corporal punishment, describing it as barbarous, and more suited to brute b^sts than to men. Mr. Marshall, adopting the same views, pointed out various respects with reference to liability of punishments in which the condition of the soldier .should be ameliorated; among others the advantages which would follow the observance of greater discrimination in its infliction than in many instances W'as then observed. Soldiers Wives and Children.—Finally, to an army medical oflicer is due the credit of having been the first to advocate the cause of soldiers’ wives and children. Dr. Hamilton urged the necessity as well as the policy of treating them well; and si nce his day the subject has proved the theme of every medical oflicer whose writings have come down to us. I have now finished my self-imposed task. I have indicated some of the res]jects in which the medical profession and the general interests of the army are indebted to, and have been advanced by, the labours of the army medical department. I trust I have also pointed out the great impoi’lancc of the duties which fall to the share of the officers of that department.