An Account of the Diseases which were most frequent in the British military hospitals in Germany

by Donald Monro

"An Account of the Diseases which were most frequent in the British Military Hospitals in Germany" by Donald Monro, M.D. is a scientific publication written in the mid-18th century. This work provides a detailed examination of the various diseases that affected British soldiers during their time in Germany, specifically focusing on the years between 1761 and 1763. It discusses not only the specific illnesses encountered, such as malignant fevers and dysentery, but also offers insights into medical practices and the management of military hospitals. The opening of the text presents the author's observations from his time attending British military hospitals, highlighting the prevalent conditions that arose due to the nature of military life in wartime. Monro emphasizes the significance of environmental factors contributing to the spread of illness, such as unsanitary conditions, crowding, and the impact of weather on troop health. He outlines the symptoms and progression of various fevers and diseases, as well as treatment protocols, underscoring his commitment to improving medical care for soldiers. This section serves as both a historical account and a foundational piece of military medicine.