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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    25. It is wise and prudent, when ague and fevers arc prevalent, that every man should take a dose of quinine bitters at least once in twenty-four hours. This will surely serve as a safeguard against an attack of disease ; it has been practiced in Florida and elsewhere with undoubted benefit. 26. The men should not be over-drilled. It is likelv to beget disgust for drill, and to defeat its object. Three drills a day, of one hour each, for squads, and a propor- tionate length of time, when sufficiently advanced, for battalion drill, is more profitable than double the time similarly occupied. 27. When practicable, amusements, sports, and gymnastic exercises should be favored amongst the men, such as run- ning, leaping, wrestling, fencing, bayonet exercise, cricket, base-ball, foot-ball, quoits. &c, etc. 28. On a march take especial care of the feet. Bathe them every night before sleeping, not in the morning. Select a shoe of stout, soft leather, with a broad sole and low heel. Prefer woolen socks. If the feet begin to chafe, rub the socks wdth common soap where they come in contact with the sore places. 29. An old soldier drinks and eats as little as possible whilst marching. The recruit, on the contrary, is con- tinually munching the contents of his haversack, and using his canteen; it is a bad habit, and causes more suffering in the end.