Autumn 2003

 
 

ARTICLES

Lewis Thomas (1913-1993): The element of style
Gerald Weissmann, M.D.

 

My romance with space
Robert H. Moser, M.D.

 

Malnutrition in Civil War armies
Alfred J. Bollet, M.D.

   Detailed records of the medical and surgical experiences of the Civil War were kept, and the Union data, published after the war, contain information about the sizes of the units, as well as numbers of cases and deaths. Thus, incidence rates and case fatality rates can be calculated for a long list of diagnoses and types of wounds.

   The incidence of diagnosed scurvy and night blindness increased markedly during the war. The case fatality rates for a variety of diseases increased progressively during the war. It seems likely that malnutrition was a major influence on these fatality rates, as well as the death rate from wounds, and was considered so by Civil War surgeons.

   Chronic diarrhea was a major killer of Civil War soldiers, and many cases may have resulted from malnutrition. This possibility is also discussed.

 

PERSPECTIVES

Just call me . . . Grandma
Theresa Brey Haddy, M.D.

 

POETRY

Cranial Vise
Aaron M. McGuffin

Night Call
Henry Langhorne, M.D.

SARS
K. Gale Potee, M.D.

Astrology Revisited
Henry N. Claman, M.D.