1862

Construction and opening of Satterlee Hospital (the Union’s General Hospital) in West Philadelphia which, at its peak, had 4,500-bed capacity, with nearly 3,400 patients in May, 1864. Hospital closed 3 August 1865.  Nursing provided by 91 Sisters of Charity.  Most common chronic diseases were wasting diseases (diarrhea, dysentery) and typhoid fever, with outbreaks of small pox and gangrene in 1864 (Humphreys, 164-167).  Tonic treatment for wasting diseases included nourishing food, alcohol, iron compounds, and tonics such as quinine (158).