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Volume 30 | July 29, 2022 |
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This month we celebrated the AMEDD’s 247th birthday. To show appreciation for our service members who are a part of the Army Medical Department, we’re diving into the changes and advancements in Army medicine since 1775. |
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Revolutionary War-era medical equipment on display in the museum, including leeching and blood draw kits. |
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Since the creation of the United States of America in 1776, medicine has improved monumentally. During the years of the Revolutionary War, people in the Medical Department relied on Galenic medicine. Galen, a Greek physician and philosopher, founded this theory of medicine based on the four humors: blood, yellow bile, phlegm, and black bile. Galen believed disability and sickness originated from an excess or lack of the four humors. Military leaders were widely unfamiliar with military medicine and had to navigate the challenges of a lack of medical professionals and supplies. During the American Revolution, disease made up around 90% of all military losses during the war. Germ theory was not widely used until the late 19th century, and it is still used today. Using germ theory and other advancements in medicine, only 25% of deaths during World War I were due to the outbreak of influenza even though over 1 million men fell ill. |
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There were few purpose-built hospitals during the Revolutionary War. The sick and wounded were often confined to houses, barns, sheds, and tents. |
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As time passed, advancements were made in both medicine and hospital design. Old hospitals were closed off and held patients in close proximity to each other in places like houses and barns, causing many patients to contract illnesses from others. New designs, such as Tilton’s in 1780, allowed air to flow in and out of the building and prevented sickness from spreading between patients. |
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Herbal medicine samples on display in the galleries describe what each item could treat. |
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Herbal medicine was used during the Revolutionary War and is still being used to this day with current medical advancements. Before, medicines were prescribed from various raw plants, minerals, and animal materials. Some of these materials consisted of Capsicum, which was used as a topical pain reliever. Now, Capsicum is the source of Capsaicin, which is commonly found in muscle rubs. |
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Combined Federal Campaign Approval |
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The AMEDD Museum Foundation is pleased to announce that our participation in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has been approved! |
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In December 2021, the Foundation began its application to register as an approved charity for the CFC. The CFC is the official workplace giving campaign for federal employees and retirees. Since its inception, the CFC has raised more than $8.5 billion for charities and people in need. The CFC will allow the Foundation to participate in events and provide speaking opportunities to share our mission, vision, and connect with federal employees and retirees in order to fundraise. Please share this exciting news with your friends and family! We want to encourage everyone to read more about the Foundation when the CFC giving campaign opens this fall! |
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On June 23, 2022, the Medical Center of Excellence held a change of command ceremony. MG Dennis LeMaster relinquished command to MG Michael Talley. MG LeMaster will be moving to MEDCOM to serve as the Deputy Commanding General (Support). We want to welcome MG Talley to MEDCoE, and we look forward to working with him and supporting his efforts through our work at the AMEDD Museum. |
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Passing of AMEDD Officers |
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Brigadier General Ralph O. Dewitt, Jr. |
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It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Brigadier General Ralph O. Dewitt, Jr., USA Retired, who passed away on 14 June 2022 at the age of 79. Brigadier General Dewitt retired in 2000 after over 26 years of service. During the latter part of his career, he served as Assistant Surgeon General for Force Development and Sustainment, United States Army Medical Command, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and later as Commanding General, Brooke Army Medical Center, Great Plains Regional Medical Command, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Sheree.
Funeral and interment services were held at Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Waynesville, Missouri on 20 June 2022.
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Brigadier General James E. Hastings |
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It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Brigadier General James E. Hastings, USA Retired, who passed away on 4 July 2022 at the age of 86. Brigadier General Hastings retired in 1995 after over 30 years of service. During the latter part of his career, he served as Commanding General, United States Army Eisenhower Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia, and later as Commander, Tripler Army Medical Center/Commander, Pacific Health Service Support Activity, United States Army Pacific Surgeon, Honolulu, Hawaii. He is survived by his wife, Constance.
Funeral services are pending and will be announced at a later date.
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Share this newsletter with your friends!
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Your Foundation works hard to maintain and advance the history of Army Medicine through the support and enhancement of the US Army Medical Department Museum. Won’t you help us spread the news about the Museum and the Foundation by sharing this Newsletter? Please forward this newsletter to a friend (or two) and help us get out the word! |
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Visit the AMEDD Gift Shop |
Did you forget to stop by the gift shop before leaving the museum? No need to worry! You can check out the AMEDD's Gift Shop website. |
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Remember to share the eNews with your friends! |
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