Title: Cole, William H.
Source text: The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion. (1861-65.), Part 2, Volume 1 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1879), 193.
Civil War Washington ID: med.d1e41452
TEI/XML: med.d1e41452.xml
Case from the case-book of the THIRD DIVISION of the ALEXANDRIA HOSPITAL, Surgeon Edwin Bentley, U. S. V., in charge:⃰
CASE 468.—Private William H. Cole, company H, 11th Connecticut volunteers; age 23; admitted October 29, 1862. Chronic diarrhœa of two mouths duration. The patient was extremely feeble and emaciated; he had daily from twelve to fifteen watery stools which were nearly natural in color, but occasionally streaked with blood. He had no cough, and a careful examination of the chest failed to detect anything abnormal. His abdomen was sunken, and somewhat tender on pressure; pulse frequent and feeble; tongue slightly coated with dry brown fur. A light but nutritious diet was ordered, and dry cups were applied to the abdomen, followed by warm poultices. Internally, alteratives, anodynes and astringents were tried, without benefit; subsequently turpentine emulsion and laudanum were administered, and a blister applied to the abdomen. Toward the close stimulants were freely given. Died, November 8th. Autopsy: The thoracic viscera were healthy. The mucous membrane of the small intestine was softened, and in three places ulcerated. The large intestine was much injected. The spleen slightly enlarged and quite firm. The liver and kidneys were normal.
⃰ It is to be regretted that, in most instances, the records of this hospital do not show by whom the autopsies were made. It is known that many of them were made by Surgeon Bentley himself, or under his immediate supervision, but it is only possible to distinguish these from the others in a few cases.
