Abstract
"Preserve your love of science," William Hammond advised medical students. This was the maxim that sustained him as his career oscillated from the heights of success to the depths of despair. During the 1850s, Hammond served as a US Army physician beyond the frontier. He used his free time at lonely Western army posts to perform original scientific research, using himself as his sole experimental subject. By measuring chemicals such as urea in his urine, he tried to show metabolic changes produced by prolonged heavy physical exercise and, most interestingly, by prolonged mental exertion. He resigned from the army to begin an academic career with the University of Maryland, but the Civil War began. He returned as a very junior officer, but was soon promoted, over the heads of many other medical officers, to become Surgeon General of the Union Army. His vigorous leadership helped maintain the health of the
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
