I was born in the town of Norton, Bristol Co. Mass. Oct 28th
1838.
My
education has been that obtained from common schools and various
academies, fitted for College some four years ago under my father who is
an Orthodox Clergyman, but the low state of the family finances did not
allow me to enter at that time. Kept school in the following winter and
in the spring commenced the Study of medicine with Dr. E .Silvester of
Hubbardston Mass, who although a young man had a large practice both
medical and surgical. I studied in his office and with him visited
nearly all his patients, I also in second year of my study was permitted
by him, to visit, attend and prescribe for a considerable number of
patients. Have attended two courses of Medical Lectures. A little more
than a year ago I secured an appointment as Medical Cadet U.S.A. And
was on duty in General Hospital at Louisville Ky. During the whole
of my time in the Army I performed the duty of Asst. Surgeon. While at
Louisville I also had considerable outside practice. Several obstetric
cases etc.
If I did I
not think myself competent to perform the duties of Asst. Surg. in the
Navy, I would not attempt to assume the one of the most
(if not the very most) responsible position which a man is
called upon to occupy.
Hoping to
do the service and myself no discredit, should I receive an
appointment. I remain
Most Respectfully
Your obet servt
Geo O. Allen
71 Chamber
Street
Boston Ms.
Questions by the Board:
Dr. George O. Allen is requested to write
answers to the following questions:
1.
What blood vessels convey blood to the brain?
2.
What are the medical and surgical means of treating retention of urine?
3.
What are the symptoms which distinguish pneumonia from bronchitis?
4.
What is a situation and function of the kidney?
5.
Name the officinal preparations of opium, and state the dose of each?
6.
What substances are formed by the chemical combination of oxygen and
nitrogen?
Answers by
Otis
1.
Carotid and Vertebral Arteries
2.
Hot poultice, fomentation, etc. catheter
3.
Pneumonia generally attacks but one lung at a time. Bronchitis
generally both. In Pneumonia there is dulness [sic] on percussion over
the affected part with (in the first age) crepitant Rales. In
Bronchitis there is increased resonance on percussion, with mucous +
subcrepitant Rales. The sputa in Pneumonia is rusty and very tenacious;
in Bronchitis, at first, white and frothy, afterward yellowish, vicid;
in Pneumonia there is an absence of Chloride from the urine, which
symptom is not present in Bronchitis.
4. In the Lumbar regions at the back of the abdomen on each side of
the vertebral column. There [sic] function is to secrete the urine.
5. Pul. Opii dose gr j
Tr opii gtts xxv +
Tr opii Camph
Morph sulph gr ¼
Vin opii gtts xxv +
6. NO – NO2 – NO3 – NO4 – NO5
Geo. O Allen
Boston Navy Yard
December 7th
1863
A
list with links to
all applicants in this survey of U.S. Navy Applicants for 1863
Example of a handwritten exam given by the Navy Examination Board