The evening times., 1898-07-30
EFFEcrs or MUsER BULLETS
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6S Nv y VI RV000 OO0004 p
L's.sese.t csIne5i se.. Gives the
ResaIts ~ k1aOAservatiens.
Recent Experiencas in Military Surg.
cry After the Battle Of Santiago" IL the
title Of the leading article in the current
Medical Record. Its written by Lieut.
Col N. senn. n: D.. U. 8. ", chief Of
army in the neldi and IL dated on board
the United States, hospital ship Relief,
July q. Extracts from the paper which
follow would indicate that modern high
velocity small-caiber bullets are more
humane than the small projectiles used
prior to the present decade:
Our recent experience in Cuba has
shown that the small jacketed bullet sell
dom carries with It into the tissues cloth
ing or other infected substances. Most
Of the wounds OF the soft tissues, uncom-
plicated by viscerai lesions which in
themselves would become a source OF In
lection, were healed by primary inten-
ton in a remarkably short time. II In
fection followed, II usually did 80 in the
superficial portion OF the wound In con-
nection with the skin. and. what is more
than suggestive. the wound OF exit was
more frequently affected than the wound
Of entrance.
This can be readily explained from the
larger size Of the wound and more ex-
tensive laceration and tearing of the tfs-
sues In many OF the cases ideal healing
OF the wound did not occur, owing to a
EllhSRnuanf ofo1 l. =
wound. The deep tissues were seldom i'm
piicated In such cases. l have reason to
believe that some of the compound frac-
lures which are now suppurating had
such source of infection; that is. the
extension of a superficial Infection to the
seat OF fracture.
The many failures in protecting the
more serious wounds against infection
are attributed to three principal causes:
l. Inadequate supply of first dressings. 2.
Fauity application Of first dressing. 8.
Unnecessary change OF dressing. The
medical officers with the regiments and In
the Held hospitals were hampered In their
work by an insufficiency OF proper Dress
ing material. The rapidity with which the
invasion was planned and executed. the
encountered in Transporting
the hospital supplies to the front, and
lne unexpected large number Of wounded,
terfal where 1t was most needed
IN summing up discussion of the
erect OF Mauser bullets on soft tissue the
doctor says: II have no further doubt
that the new bullet will become encapsuI-
ated and remain harmless in the tissues
as readily as or more SO than the old
fashioned leaden bullet"
1T was surprise to us all to find that
In more than 10 per cent Of all the wound
ed the bullet was lodged in the tissues,
vastly greater number than we had
any reason to expect. The cause for
this became apparent when we began to
study the condition of the bullets recov-
cred. A large proportion of the bullets
recovered were found deformed. showing
that they were detected bullets which
had struck hard object. or had passed
through Q resisting medium before they
reached the object for which they were
Intended. The ground upon which the
battle was fought is stony and covered
with trees and thick underbrush. fur
nishing the most favorable conditions for
DETECTION Of missiles. Some Of the firing
was done at great distance. 80 that oc-
a spent ball was found in the
loft tissues without Injury Of the bone
The value of the probe as a diagnostic
In locating bullets has in mod
.rn military service been almost entire
y superseded by dissection and the em-
,loyment Of the X-ray. All of the bullets
on board the hospital ship Re
ief were located in this manner. DR..
cray. an expert IN skiagraphy, who has
,harge OF the scientific work OF the float
ng hospital. has been Of the greatest
ervice to the surgeons in enabling them
o locate bullets and In guiding them as
o the advisa bility Of undertaking an op-
ration for their removal
His large collection Of skiagraph pic
ures will also furnish flood of new
lght on the effect of the small-caliber
ullet on the different parts OF the body.
he X-ray apparatus also proved Of the
.reatest practical utility in showing the
of fragments In gunshot
of the long bones. and enabled
he surgeons to resort to timely meas
res to prevent vicious union.
1T is quite well known that during the
'ar of the rebellion men had a better
hance for life when the bullet passed
trough the chest than wien the chest
-as opened and the ball remained. The
,me remains true now, although not to
lie same extent, as the small caliber bull |
I is less likely 10 carry with II into the |
hest clothing or other infectious ma
rial. The number of those with ches: |
ounds who have lived long enough to |
Zach the hospital on the coast is aston |
hing, and what il till more surprising /
the fact that unless the hemorrhage |
as severe the symptoms were mild, |
,me of the patients being confined to /
ed only for few days.
-Four laparotomies for perforating gun
lot wounds Of the abdomen were per-
'rmed at the First Division Hospital, |
lie only cases to my knowledge during |
lie Cuban campaign All Of the patients
ed. This unfavorable experience should |
IT deter surgeons from performing the /
,eration in the future in cases in which |
ON the course taken 1t is reasonable
assume tina. the bullet has made vis-
.ral injuries which would be sure to |
.stroy life without surgical interfer-
lce."
Saw Sweetheart Sink to Death.
Po,,nEhkaopsia N IIaE,.= |