REVIEWS. 523 



showing the numbers and proportions of each class of wounded which 

 are to be anticipated and in the succeeding chapter on "Transportation" 

 deals with the removal of those who are unable to proceed unaided to the 

 rear. Attention is drawn to the fact that the long range of modern 

 military rifles has greatly extended the danger zone during battles and 

 therefore increased the difficulties and risks of promptly aiding and re- 

 moving the wounded. 



In the chapter on "Organization" reference is made to the recent 

 increase from three to four in the number of medical officers attached to 

 a regiment. The details of the care of the wounded from the firing line 

 to the general hospital are fully covered in chapters entitled "Kegimental 

 Service and Aid Stations," "Dressing Stations," "Field Hospitals," "Sta- 

 tions for Slightly Wounded," and "Lines of Communication." 



In the chapter headed "Administration," as well as elsewhere through- 

 out the book, the importance of the administrative function of the Medical 

 Department is emphasized, the ultimate object of which is "to bring the 

 patient, the facilities for his treatment, and the surgeon in conjunction 

 under the most favorable possible circumstances." 



The writer frequently refers throughout the book to the important 

 fact that "the basis of the organization of the medical department 

 for war is the necessity of maintaining the highest possible effective 

 strength of an army and of relieving it of its encumbrance of sick and 

 wounded." It follows therefore "that a medical service in war is 

 not organized and maintained with the sole object of meeting the humane 

 demands of the age." The prompt evacuation of the wounded from the 

 scene of active hostilities toward the rear is a cardinal point in effective 

 administration, even though this removal may not always be for the 

 best interests of certain individuals among the injured. The author 

 clearly brings out the point that in the interests of military efficiency the 

 care and treatment of the less severe cases of injury, which in large 

 measure may recover soon and return to the front, is of more importance 

 to the army than the care of the very serious cases which are not likely 

 to render further service. This is a view too little appreciated and which 

 it is hard for the civilian practitioner to grasp, because his greatest interest 

 is in the severe and unusual injuries. The slighter cases of injury should 

 not be sent to general hospitals far in the rear, but should be "treated 

 as near as possible to the zone of operations, so that no unnecessary time 

 will be lost in returning them to their organizations upon recovery. It 

 is all important that some relation should be maintained between the 

 distance that patients are to be transported and the probable duration of 

 their disabilities." 



The book is small in size, is conveniently bound in flexible covers, 

 is printed on strong, well-glazed paper and is remarkably free from 

 typographical errors. It should be part of the equipment of every medical 

 officer in the National Guard. W. P. C. 



