The
following is a dictated translation of the hand-written application to
the U. S. Navy Examination Board during the Civil War by a civilian
physician/surgeon for a position as a medical officer in the Federal
Navy or for promotion to Assistant Surgeon by an Acting Assistant
Surgeon. The actual
applications are in the possession of the author and presented to
enlighten the general public and other researchers as to the education
process before and during the Civil War, the personal history of the
applicants, as well as to show their personal level of medical knowledge
in answering the questions asked by the Navy Board of Examiners.
(Some applicants failed to pass and did not serve or served in the Union
Army.)
This written presentation was first of a part of a two-part exam consisting of a written
exam and an oral exam.
Many of these applications are rich
with highly detailed medical content offering an interesting perspective
on the medical knowledge and practices of the period.
A broad sampling of these exams is presented to
give you a 'picture' of the type of applicant being examined and
admitted to or rejected by the Federal Navy in 1863. Much more detail
on the individuals and their personal and naval history will be
presented in a forth-coming book by Dr. Herman.
(The actual written exam photos are available, but not presented on
these pages due to the size of the files. An
example
of a hand-written exam is on the
'List of all Applicants' page)
If you have additional information or images for any of these
doctors, please
contact us.
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
Applicant: James
Rufus Tryon, M.D.
U.S. Naval Asylum Phda
March 3d 1863.
Gentlemen,
Modesty at any other time, would
protect allusion to a subject so on interesting as individual History –
But as this requirement implies only a true in simple statement of facts
I cheerfully acquiesce and give them accordingly.-
I am now 25 years of age, being born
in Coxsackie, Greene Co. State of New York, on the 24th of
September 1837.
I have had good opportunities of
education, some of which have been wisely improved, while others have
been only enjoyed and neglected – After the ordinary Academical studies,
entered the Sophomore Class of Union College and was graduated in 1858.
Since then my time has been principally occupied with a study of
Medicine, matriculate immediately at the University of Pa. and
received my diploma in March of 1861. – Soon after visited Europe and
when in Paris, my endeavors were it to profit by the many professional
advantages offered, and to improve in the language of the Country.
Since my return about a year past, have been performing the duties of an
Act. Asst. Surg in the U.S.A. Hospital South + 24th
St Phda, then under the charge of Dr. Hopkinson formally of
the Navy; this position I still occupy being aware of the many
advantages it offers for practical knowledge and experience, – all of
which I trust are improved and prepared for future usefulness.
Having always had the highest
appreciation for the Naval Service, I present myself as a candidate for
admission – conscious of many defects, but nevertheless hoping to be
found qualified.
I am Sirs with great respect
Your most obt Servt
J. R. Tryon
N.W. Cir 16ʺ + Spruce Sts Phda
To President + Members of the Naval
Medical Board
Questions by the Board:
Questions to be answered in writing,
by, Dr James R. Tryon
1. Describe vaccination (briefly) +
the order of resulting phenomena.
2. What are the symptoms + causes of
necrosis?
3. Write a prescription (Latin) for
Sulphate Quinia, without symbols, or abbreviations.
4. Define organic and inorganic
chemistry
5. What different systems (in
anatomy) are there in the human body. [sic]
6. What is physiology?
7. What is Tartar Emetic? How
obtained?
8. What are the symptoms and
treatment of Nephritis?
9. What is the course of the foetal
circulation?
Answers by Tyron:
1. It is the ordinary method
pursued, for conveying a vaccine matter into the system, as a protective
against Small Pox.- the operation consists in simply scarifying the arm
and introducing the matter gently with the Lancet.- If it is to result
favorably about the 2d or 3d day there'll be some
itching and slight irritation about the point of contact – which
gradually increases – until the well known vesicle, papule + scab are
seen in succession - when it is at its height about the 8ʺ or 9ʺ day,
there is generally some swelling and inflammation, a circumscribed
redness frequently, + often enlargement of the Glands.-
2. The symptoms of this disease
depend somewhat upon its causes,- in some cases for example we have at
its very commencement, severe pain, intense redness, great
susceptibility at the slightest pressure – and frequently fever, in
others we see comparatively good health, and at the same time a decided
necrosis.- Its causes are as numerous as its symptoms, frequently from
external injuries to the Bones – from deep seated abscesses destroying
the periostium – from Gun shot wounds destroying a portion of the Bone
itself + frequently its development from a scrofulous diathesis. –
3. Recipes –
Quiniae Sulphatis, Granua
Sexdecum
Aquae Fontanna [sic],
Uncia Duo fluidum
Acidum
Sulphurica Aromatica. Quantum sufficit.
Miscae – Fiat in Solutio, Signa Cochleare parvum omni Bihorio.–
4. It is that science which treats
principally of the organization and changes of the Animal and Vegetable
Kingdom – an organic substance consists of carbon – hydrogen – +
nitrogen. The inorganic relates principally to the Mineral world.
5. There are 6 systems of Anatomy
treated of in human body, viz. Human Anatomy – Special Anatomy –
Descriptive Anatomy – Surgical Anatomy – Pathological Anatomy – +
Microscopical Anatomy. –
6. It is the science which treats of
the different organs and functions of body in a state of health.-
7. It is the Tartrate of Antimony
and Potassa – prepared by subliming together the Teroxide of Antimony
and Potassa Bitart.-
8. This Disease is recognized by
severe pain in the side over the region of the Kidney – retraction of
the testicle, a painful + difficulty micturation, with great
restlessness, fever + furred tongue,- The treatment consists of a few
dry or wet cups (as the case may be) over the affected region – followed
by warm of fomentations. A mild diuretic may be given according to the
nature of the Urine – and Dovers powder at night – sometimes a cathartic
is necessary. After the severer symptoms have passed Tr. Ferri Chloridi
may be given as a tonic.–
9. The Arterial Blood passes through
the umbilical vein to the Liver – there after giving off one or two
branches to its Lobes – continues through the Ductus Venosus – to the
Ascending Vena Cava – through the Vena Cava to the right Auricle of the
Heart – there guided by the Eustachian Valve, through the foramen Ovale
into the left Auricle – then to the left Ventricle where it is
distributed to the Aorta to the upper Extremities. The blood from the
upper extremities is taken by the Supr Vena Cava to the right
Auricle – thence to the right ventricle – then into the Pulmonary Artery
but very little being needed on the nourishment of the lungs, its bulk
passes into the Left Auricle – thence into the Left Ventricle where it
is distributed to the Extremities.- The blood is conveyed back to the
Placenta by branches from the Iliacs.-
Very Respectfully,
Your Most obt Serv’t
J. R. Tryon —
March 4th 1863.
Certificate of Physical Capacity
I declare on honor that my health is
at this time good and robust; and to the best of my knowledge and
belief, I am free from any accidental or constitutional defects, and
without any predisposition to Epilepsy, Phthisis, Gout, Apoplexy, or
chronic disease of any kind.
I am not at present affected with
varicocele, disease of the urinary organs, hernia or hemorrhoids; nor am
I aware that there is anything hereditary in my constitution which would
hereafter be likely, to incapacitate me, for the arduous duties of a
medical officer of the navy.
All my organs of sense are without
imperfection.
J. R. Tryon
Candidate for the office of Asst
Surgeon in the Navy of the United States.
U.S. Navl Asylum Philada
March 2d 1862 [sic,
apparent mistake]
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
