Civil War Medicine-The Real Story

The Antiques Club of the Finger Lakes will meet Thursday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m. with a program called Civil War Medicine - The Real Story, presented by Les Buell. The meeting will take place at the Geneva Historical Society, 543 S. Main Street, Geneva.

Losses in the Civil War due to disease and lack of proper medical care cost the lives of far more soldiers than deaths from gunfire and bayonets on the battlefield. ?Major? Les Buell, Surgeon, 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry, Army of Northern Virginia, will discuss the changing technology of war, the evolution of anesthetics and drugs to the end of the Civil War, and the care and treatment of the wounded, from battlefield to hospital. The program will involve the use of tools such as knives, saws and cupping glasses, exactly like those carried by a surgeon of the time period.

Les Buell was a teacher of American history for 34 years and has been a Civil War reenactor for the last 20 years, the last 16 as a surgeon. He is an active member of the Society of Civil War Surgeons, which includes participation in seminars and workshops relating to medicine as practiced in the Civil War. He is a member of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, Maryland, which includes participation in seminars and workshops relating to medicine as practiced in the Civil War. He has presented this program in dozens of schools throughout the region.

The public is welcome, there is no admission charge and refreshments will be served. Please use the side door at the bottom of the driveway on the north side of the museum. Those attending who have relevant materials and artifacts are encouraged to bring them.