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Rudolf Virchow and the Franco Prussian [From Schenkius: Observationum Medicarum, Francofurti, 1609] ANNALS OF MEDICAL HISTORY Third Ser ies , Volume IV Jul y , 1942 Numb er 4 RUDOLF VIRCHOW AND THE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR By H. G. SCHLUMBERGER PHILADELPHIA NCE again the na- at the University of Berlin, member of tions are at war and the Prussian Lower House, and founder the men of science, as well as leader of the Progressive physicians, and Party. In the first number of the cur- scholars are dis- rent volume of his Archiv published on mayed by what they September 23, Virchow wrote:1 see and even more A new war has begun and called the by what they hear. majority of our colleagues to the battle- But dismay is the precursor of impo- field and military hospital. The thoughts tence, and the proud tradition of medi- that I had planned to place at the begin- cine rejects it scornfully. A student of ning of this volume, and which were to man, the great physician is also a leader touch upon important aspects of interna- of men—all men. As such he recognizes tional cooperation, must be postponed no differences of class, nation, or creed, until the passion of the aroused peoples and though he deplores war itself, the has been quenched in bloody combat. I cannot find the calm necessary for the hatreds that it fosters are his greatest study of problems that presuppose a state concern. of peace; during hours in which the his- Such a physician was Rudolf Virchow tory of our nation is being decided on the —pathologist, anthropologist, idealist, field of battle. We must be victorious and revolutionary. A glimpse of his so that at last we may be masters in our activities during the Franco-Prussian own house. War of 1870-71 may help us to formu- Indeed it is sad that at this moment we late our own course of action at a time are unable, as much as we should wish it, when the land we hold dear is striving to separate the government that forced this war upon us from the people which to retain its eminence. At the outbreak it has led to war. Well do we realize what of the war in July 1870, Virchow, then we owe this people, and Germany has cer- forty-nine years old, was at the height tainly been open in its appreciation. of his powers as professor of pathology German science and medicine in par- ticular have enthusiastically followed the let us remember that the greater problem paths opened by the great French thinkers cannot be solved in war, rather, patient of the latter 18th and early 19th cen- and arduous work during peace time will turies. be necessary to establish humane under- This gifted, cultured, and kindly French standing and intercourse as the basis for people—how it has been mistreated! Kept all public relations and the object of all in ignorance, yet seduced to boundless private endeavor. More especially in this conceit that it might be used for base ends. war we dare not forget that we are fighting Knowing nothing of our conditions, of that people which, after our own, has our government, of our customs, and of made the greatest sacrifices to free man- our history; unfamiliar with our present kind and with which, united in peace and strength and even ignorant of the geog- stimulated by competition, we could pro- raphy of our land, the French pamphlet- duce the finest of human works. May eers and journalists dared to judge us and all science exert its influence when the our country. The French masses, unknow- peace is won to foster reconciliation and ing and blind, believed themselves priv- a comprehension of our community of ileged to guide our destiny. In truth, it interests. was a war of ignorance that was declared As in other times and other lands an against us. outburst of patriotic fervor followed the Turning from the international to declaration of war. The civilian popu- the medical problems arising out of the lation was anxious to share the added war Virchow stressed the humanitarian duties and many volunteer societies aspects of medicine. He emphasized were organized. In a Sunday news- the importance of the Red Cross which paper2 published only a few weeks after had been given official recognition only the outbreak of hostilities, Virchow con- four years before at the Geneva Confer- sidered the means whereby those not ence of 1866. Virchow continued: in the armed forces could render useful service: Medicine is called upon to prepare for the era of peace. In the midst of the terrors The chief concern in respect to mate- of war she and she alone is officially called rial accomplishments is the procurement upon to be present on the battlefield as of large sums of money. Even in time of the deputy of humanity, the representa- war most things can be bought and may tive of peace. Without distinction she even be purchased with a clearer regard takes friend and foe alike under her arm of the needs that prevail. Therefore, the to heal the bloody wounds, tend the in- chief activity of private organizations jured limbs, and cool the thirsty lips. In should be that of obtaining funds. The the powder smoke of battle she unfolds State needs its resources primarily for the the banner with the red cross which all prosecution of the war. The human civilized nations have now recognized as sacrifices, both friend and foe, that are a sign of immunity. Thus she erects a made in war depend to a greater or less sanctuary for the wounded, protecting extent for their care upon the civilians. him from further attack and assuring him This then involves the founding and skilled assistance. Her frail tents and bar- maintenance of a hospital and the pro- racks arise wherever there is need, as shel- curement of all the articles, large and ters of human love and mercy. small, necessary for nursing. The We must prove ourselves worthy of the secret of the great success of the volunteer distinction that those in power have given civilian nursing staff in the Crimean and us. We shall be the high priests of hu- American (Civil) Wars is to be found in manity at war, giving blessings to all. But the fact that those who were best pre- pared and most suited for the work en- water may be filtered through charcoal if tered the public service. the equipment is at hand. Otherwise it should be boiled, cooled, and drunk after In 1866 during the Seven Weeks the addition of small amounts of brandy, War with Austria, Virchow founded the tea, or coffee. Berlin Aid Society for the care of the 3. Quenching thirst with straight wounded and the provisioning of troops brandy, rum, or whiskey is a bad and in the Held. In its name he now wrote dangerous practice. These beverages incite an article3 on hygiene, the pamphlet to to repetition and then act as depressants be distributed among the soldiers then rather than as stimulants. A small quan- in France. It is addressed to the private, tity, however, added to lemonade, tea, or for Virchow had great confidence in the water is often beneficial for delicate stomachs. intelligence and self-reliance of the in- 4. Well fermented and aged beer in dividual. Because of their medical in- moderate amounts is recommended. But terest the '‘Rules" are given in full: here particularly the soldier should school The experience of all wars has taught himself in moderation, for only too often that the army suffers disproportionately he is offered new, poorly fermented, or more losses from sickness than from sour beer. These may upset the stomach wounds inflicted on the battlefield. A and bring about diarrhoea, dysentery, etc. large part of this illness may be prevented 5. The common dry country wine by the care and attention of the leaders which is so frequently adulterated, as well and physicians of the army. But no less as cider, are not advisable. For, particu- important is the care exercised by the larly in those not accustomed to them, individual soldier. Nothing is more dan- their enjoyment frequently leads to ab- gerous than the excessive self-confidence dominal distress. At least they should be and assurance with which the strong taken in very moderate quantities. young man considers himself equal to all 6. Worthy of use though unfamiliar to unfavorable conditions. A large number most of our soldiers is tea. On the march of troops are laid low by illness early in a weak concoction of cold tea is always the the campaign because of carelessness, ex- most dependable and wholesome means cesses, or uncleanliness. May there- of quenching thirst. If many do not like fore, the following rules which deal with its taste this will prevent excessive drink- the chief causes of disease in the field, find ing. The concoction may be prepared the a sympathetic reader and be observed not night before while in quarters or bivouac only by the soldiers themselves, but re- and placed in casks or in the individual peatedly emphasized and enforced by the canteens. If it is very warm the tea may be acidulated by the addition of some lemon officers. juice or a few drops of vinegar. i. Clean cold water, though in itself an 7. Coffee is also a worthwhile beverage, excellent drink, should only be taken in but is less enjoyable when taken cold and large amounts when the soldier is at com- hence less satisfactory for quenching thirst.
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