While reading the personnal letters of then Capt Jesse Gove in the book "The Utah Expedition 1857-1858" I came upon the following entry dated 22 June, 1857 from the steamer "Cal Crossman" on the Missouri River:
"What I write you now mostly for is for you to send me a book and a small case of such remedies as I want most, viz., for bilious diseases - diarrhea, dysentry, cholera, fever, etc. I want them as preventatives, I have plenty of nux vomica and sulphur. I want veratrum, mercurious vicuis, aconite, belladonna, and such like. The Dr. will know what I wish, a small packet case."
Most of these"medications" are unfamiliar to me and sound down right nasty! Does anyone else know of officers or enlisted self medicating. Also are there any medical experts out there who can comment on these medicines?
Note:
Jesse Gove ended up as a Colonel of the 22nd Mass Volunteers and was killed at the battle of Gaines Mill, Va., June 27, 1862.
Chuck Mood
LtColMood@aol.com
"What I write you now mostly for is for you to send me a book and a small case of such remedies as I want most, viz., for bilious diseases - diarrhea, dysentry, cholera, fever, etc. I want them as preventatives, I have plenty of nux vomica and sulphur. I want veratrum, mercurious vicuis, aconite, belladonna, and such like. The Dr. will know what I wish, a small packet case."
Most of these"medications" are unfamiliar to me and sound down right nasty! Does anyone else know of officers or enlisted self medicating. Also are there any medical experts out there who can comment on these medicines?
Note:
Jesse Gove ended up as a Colonel of the 22nd Mass Volunteers and was killed at the battle of Gaines Mill, Va., June 27, 1862.
Chuck Mood
LtColMood@aol.com
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