SURGICAL TOOLS

Surgical tools were simple during the 1800s because the surgeons acts were basic and only involved attempts to save a life.  Surgical tools were still effective in the civil war era.  The Union mostly used tools on the battle field.  The tools were made of the best metal so they would not break and be reliable.  Both armies usually had around 30,000 soldiers wounded on the battle field at one time.

      Near 50,000 amputations were performed during the American Civil War.  Of all surgeries during the Civil War 75 percent were amputations.  An amputation took a very short 10 to 15 minutes.  They were performed quickly so they could get through more soldiers.  The surgeons during the Civil War time were called Sawbones.  Out of four amputations one person would typically die.  These types of surgeries were done in tents.  The surgeons put the patients to sleep with soaked rags.

- William Harrell Felton, famous surgeon during the Civil War 

 - The place where amputations happened.  They were done in the tent. 

                                           - -Medical set                                                                        - Medical Sword 

- Medical set

- Surgeon at work during the Engagement of the Civil War.

Top ten surgical tools in the civil war

10. Anesthetics-Medicine that reduces sensation and pain in a area of the body.

9. Bone Saw-Hand saw used to amputate and cut bones

8. Tourniquet-A belt that goes around the arm or leg and tightens to cut off blood flow for amputation

7. Probes- Made for digging out  bullets out of  wounds.

6. Suture Thread-Needle and thread for stiching cuts, wounds, and amputations

5. Scalpel- Small knife used to cut skin and tissue.

4. Bandages- made from cloth and was for covering wounds and injures

3. Plants- Shortages of modern day technology made them have to rely more on plants.

2. Alcoholic Beverages- Like mercury, alcohol was used for a lot of uses.  The wounded received large doses to ward off shock or to prepare them for surgery. It didn't seem like at the time but alcohol did little benefit.

1. Mercury - This tool consisted of chalk, honey, and licorice.  It was also mixed with Mercury.  The medicine was later proven to be poisonous.  The Mercury based medicine was causing many problems such as dehydration, tooth loss, destruction of jaw bone, and digestive damage.

                          Quiz 

1. What was the number 1 tool used in the Civil War and what was it made of?

2. How many amputations were were performed during the Civil War, how many percent of these were amputations?

3. What side effects did mercury cause?

4. Where did they amputate during the Civil War, and how long did each amputation take?

5. During the Civil War what were surgeons called?

6. What was the bone saw used for?

7.  What were bandages made from?

8. How many soldiers were wounded on the battle field at one time from a single army?

9. What did a medical kit consist of?

10. How was a soldier put to sleep before an amputation?

                                                       About the Authors

   Collin is 14 years old and goes to school at Anthony Wayne JH.  I'm in 8th grade.  I play football and basketball.  Ryan goes to Anthony Wayne and is 13 years old.  I play basketball and baseball. Cal is 14 years old and intends Anthony Wayne Junior High.  He plays baseball, football, and hockey, and he also runs track.  Jimmy is 14 and goes to Anthony Wayne JH and in the 8th grade and I race ATVs and Dirt Bikes.  

Work Cited

Echols, Michael. American Civil War Surgical Antiques. Ed. Michael Echols. 1995. 19 May 2009     <http://www.braceface.com/>

Murdoc Online. 19 May 2009 <http://www.murdoconline.net/>.

Medicine in the Civil War. 19 May 2009 <http://www.nps.gov/archive/gett/gettkidz/doctor.htm>.

Flagel, Thomas R. The History Buff's Guide to the Civil War. Nashville: Cumberland House, 2003. 125-32.