Rules for preserving the health of the soldier.

  • Van Buren, W. H. (William Holme), 1819-1883.
Date:
[1861]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Rules for preserving the health of the soldier. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    Alter a thorough wetting there is no serious danger as Long as the body is kept in motion; but the wet clothes should be replaced by dry shirt and drawers before sleeping, other- wise there is danger of taking cold, and of other grave forms of disease. If the men are deficient in the necessary supply of clothing for a change, the surgeon should report the fact to the commanding officer. 20. Camp fires should be allowed whenever admissible ; they are useful for purifying the air, for preventing annoy- ance from insects, for drying clothing, and for security against chilliness during the night. 22. The underclothing should be washed and thoroughly dried once a week. The men should bathe, or wash the whole body with water, at least once a Aveek, and oftener when practicable, but the feet should be bathed daily, and the stockings washed whenever soiled. 23. The hair and beard should be closely cropped. If vermin make their appearance, apply promptly to the sur- geon for means to destroy them. Extra soap may be pro- cured on recommendation of the surgeon. It is the immediate duty of non-commissioned officers in command of squads to see that these, and all other precau- tions required for the health of the men, are strictly carried out under the orders of the company and medical officers. 24. When bowel complaints are prevalent, be especially observant of the rules for preserving health, and apply to the surgeon for a flannel bandage to be Avorn constantly around the bellv.