Medical Examination Papers (PA) 1861-1865

About This Collection

These medical examinations completed by candidates for regimental surgeons tested the candidates' knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Attached to each thesis is information providing each candidates full postal address, the name of the medical institution from which he received his training, date of graduation, age, number of years in active practice, the names of hospital clinics where he worked and names of surgeons under whom he studied. According to law, medical officers serving Pennsylvania regiments had to first be examined by a state medical board. Several boards of examiners met as the war continued and the need for surgeons increased. Images are grouped by examination dates. This collection is part of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs which is responsible for administering the Pennsylvania National Guard, and administers various programs of assistance to veterans.