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SURGEON GENERAL'S OFFICE, 
 
 Richmond, August 14, 1862. 
 
 The indifference heretofore manifested by Medical Officers, with regard 
 to records of gunshot and other wounds, and operations thereby induced", 
 necessitates their being instructed to keep accurate and reliable records 
 of all such cases, and in view of its importance, to give this subject all 
 the attention it deserves. 
 
 This is demanded not only in justice to the corps of which they are 
 members, and from which much interesting statistical information will be 
 expected at the close of the war, but also for the benefit of the science of 
 Surgery at large, which should not be deprived of the advantages to be 
 reaped from so extended a field of observation as that which now presents 
 itself. 
 
 To promote the accomplishment of this purpose, Medical Inspectors 
 will give special attention to the examination of Case Books and Field 
 Notes, and will report the relative industry and accuracy with which these 
 records are kept. 
 
 Medical Directors will require from the Medical Officers serving in their 
 respective departments, such statements as can be reliably made, as to the 
 history of all wounds and consequent surgical operations occurring in 
 commands under their professional care, since the commencement of the 
 war — specifying the nature and seat of such wounds, the character of the 
 operations performed, whether primary, intermediary or secondary, and 
 also the corresponding rate of mortality. 
 
 Medical Officers will also for the future be required to forward to the 
 Medical Director, with the Monthly Reports of Sick and "Wounded, accu- 
 rately filled copies of the Blank Forms issued to the latter from this office 
 for distribution, in which will also be noted all cases of secondary hemor- 
 rhage, and all interesting information as to the results of the use of 
 anaesthetics. 
 
 The receipt of this Circular will be acknowledged. 
 
 S. P. MOORE, 
 Surg. Genl. C. S. Army. 
 
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