Title: Richard, Edward H.

Source text: The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion. (1861-65.), Part 2, Volume 2 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1876), 169.

Keywords:injuries of the abdomenpenetrating wounds of the abdomenwounds of the kidneygunshot woundswound of chest and abdomenball entered thoracic cavity, penetrated diaphragm, wounded kidney, and emerged immediately over spinal columninternal hæmorrhagegangrene, involving spinal cord and its investments

Civil War Washington ID: med.d2e31726

TEI/XML: med.d2e31726.xml


CASE 535.—Private Edward H. Richard, Co. K, 51st Pennsylvania, aged 24 years, received a wound of the chest and abdomen at Petersburg, August 19, 1864. He was treated at a field hospital for a few days, and was transferred to Washington, entering Lincoln Hospital on the 24th. Acting Assistant Surgeon G. S. Stebbins states that “on admission the patient, of a naturally weak constitution, was very much reduced in strength, from exposure and suffering. The ball entered the left thoracic cavity, penetrated the diaphragm, wounded the left kidney, and emerged immediately over the spinal column. Internal hæmorrhage occurred, and continued for several days. Acetate of lead and pulverized opium were given, with topical applications of ice-cold water, to control the hæmorrhage. On September 8th, the wound became gangrenous; nitric acid was applied, and morphiæ​ was administered, and stimulants and tonics were given freely. The gangrene extended, finally involving the spinal cord and its investments, and causing death on September 10, 1864."