1 page

The purpose of this class is to introduce you to innovations in combat medicine introduced by Jonathan Letterman during the Civil War.  We are now roughly halfway through the course and we have not yet talked directly about Jonathan Letterman nor Civil War combat medicine. Be specific and use examples as you write.

Until now this course has addressed the context for the Civil War and its medicine.  We have talked about the context for the Civil War, weapons of the Civil War, wounds, and medical care during the American Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and the Crimean War.  We have talked about a Spanish apothecary, Hippocrates, Galen, Dominique Jean Larrey, Florence Nightingale, and Mary Seacole. 

Why do you believe I think this background information crucial to your understanding anything we say about Civil War combat and combat medicine?