Review: Revolutionary Medicine: 1700-1800 by C. Keith Wilbur, M.D.

Synopsis: In 1775, when the staggering medical crisis known at the Revolutionary War exploded, less than 12 percent of the colonies practicing physicians held a medical degree. And those few awarded one had gradated without ever seeing a patient.

Here are their struggles, their strategies, their odd treatments, and their theories. From makeshift ambulances and wigwam hospitals to herbal drugs and “cookbook” doctoring, this fascinating chronicle of the crusade against disease underscored the ingeniousness of America’s most daring fighting men. (from the back of the book) 

Review: Using a script-like font, the author takes the reader through an overview of medical practices used during the American Revolution. Touching on physician education and recruitment, military organization, transportation, hospitals, diseased, tools, medicines, treatment, and aftermath, this is a comprehensive, albeit shallow, summary. Pictures of the tools and treatments augment the text.

The drawbacks are two-fold: First the font can be difficult to read and the pictures are black and white.

It is important to note this is NOT an in-depth compendium of colonial medicine, but serves best as an introduction or supplement to studies about the Revolutionary War. You will need to look elsewhere for deeper study.

For my purposes though, which were to augment my collection of books about Revolutionary books, this is an excellent addition. It would be particularly good for school or educational purposes, as it isn’t gory or bloody, while still being truthful about the conditions, diseases, and treatments used during the time. Altogether, a good book. 

Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-7627-0139-0
Year Published: 1997
Date Finished: 2-16-18
Pages: 88