The Model of 1887 Hospital Corps Knife – By Frank Trzaska
On July 27, 1775 Congress authorized the establishment of a medical service. It authorized one Director General and Chief Physician (Surgeon General), four surgeons, one apothecary, 20 surgeons’ mates, one clerk and two storekeepers. It also provided one nurse to every 10 sick, and laborers as needed. Dr. Benjamin Church was selected as the first Surgeon General of the United States. Based on the recommendations of the Director General, on July 17, 1776, Congress authorized the employment of hospital stewards.
This article first appeared in the June 2020 issue of Knife Magazine. Premium Online Members can read the whole thing by clicking on the blue button below.