How did doctors treat people in the 1800s? I read something about pouring alcohol and stuff? I already read about the amputation process but Im looking for something other than amputation. Just like maybe wrap a cloth or something and later on amputate it. But for now how to treat gunshot legs. Whether or not there's another way, thanks in advance.
Read, read, read ... and take lots of notes:
http://www.google.com/search?q=1800s+medicine+gunshot+wounds+legs&oq=1800s+medicine+gunshot+wounds+legs&aqs=chrome..69i57.8861j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=119&ie=UTF-8
I already read two articles from the first two. I found a good source that is close to my topic. Thanks! :)
In the 1800s, medical treatment, particularly for gunshot injuries, often involved a combination of basic wound care and the use of alcohol as an antiseptic.
To treat gunshot wounds, doctors typically began by cleaning the wound with water or a solution like vinegar. Then, they would often apply alcohol, such as whiskey or brandy, to the wound as an antiseptic. The use of alcohol was believed to disinfect the wound and prevent infection, although it may not have been particularly effective by today's medical standards.
Once the wound was cleaned and treated with alcohol, doctors would typically attempt to close the wound, usually by stitching it up. The stitches were intended to hold the edges of the wound together and promote healing, although infection was still a significant risk.
In cases where the gunshot wound was severe or had caused significant damage to the limb, doctors might resort to amputation. However, if amputation was not immediately necessary, doctors may have employed other techniques to try to salvage the injured leg. This could include the use of bandages or splints to immobilize the limb and promote healing.
It's important to note that medical practices were very different in the 1800s compared to modern medicine. The understanding of infection control, anesthesia, and surgical techniques was limited, and the mortality rate for severe wounds, particularly from gunshot injuries, was high.
If you're interested in learning more about medical practices in the 1800s, I recommend exploring historical resources, books, or consulting with medical historians who have extensively researched this topic.