Civil War Washington

Case entered in the book is signed by Assistant Surgeon A. Hartsuff, U. S. A., temporarily acting as surgeon in charge,⃰ by whom it is understood the majority if not all the cases were treated. To the account of each case as recorded in the case-book the subsequent history of the patient, whenever it has been possible to obtain it, is appended. ⃰In the absence of Assistant Surgeon E. J. Marsh, U. S. A.

CASE 16.—Private David F. Burt, company A, 130th New York volunteers; admitted July 18, 1863. Diarrhœa of seven months standing. The patient was weak, emaciated, and had no appetite. He had from six to twelve passages daily. Ordered good diet, stimulants, and astringents—tannin, opium, lead, &c.—which diminished the number of discharges to from four to eight. In this condition the patient remained without further amendment until July 31st, when an enema of fifteen grains of nitrate of silver, dissolved in an ounce of water, was ordered. This was retained about an hour. From this time the evacuations became natural in appearance, and were reduced in number to one or two daily. The patient was returned to duty September 24, 1863.