~An Amalgam of Medical and Maritime History~

A medical student, an aspiring maritime historian, a man who always seems to find his passions in the most unorthodox of ways. I am all these things. Perhaps a bit of an overstatement, particularly the last part, however, my quest to find that which drives me has always led me down circuitous paths. Medicine and maritime history might seem a strange amalgam to some, however, the two are linked in the most extraordinary ways. Both have rich and multifaceted histories that are prime for exploration, discovery, and learning. I seek to learn about both; separately and together.

As a student of medicine, I am at once enthralled and inundated by the wealth of knowledge to be gained from such a course of study. Despite my passion for the subject, I have found that though we are more than sufficiently prepared for our roles as healers, we often times are left with little in the way of an historical perspective. How did we come to use the techniques and medications now endorsed by physicians, and what did it take to get to this point? These are questions that I seek to answer.

Though I have always been a history enthusiast, it was not until recently that I discovered my love of ships and the sea. I quickly gained a penchant for all things maritime. an historical subject that encompasses a broad range of topics from naval battles to the science of navigation. Recently, I came to find that surgeons at sea played an integral part in the orchestra of persons aboard a sailing vessel. They were to maintain the health of the sailors at all costs, despite the rudimentary tools and the unforgiving elements of wind and sea. This effectively bridges the topics, and provides a jumping point for my future knowledge and research.

Any feedback is welcome as I share what I have gained with you.
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A New and Exciting Collaboration

It seems, and intuitively so, that the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) and the Naval History and Heritage Command have joined forces to create a blog, aptly titled The Naval History Blog, that should be at the top of all naval historians’ and buffs’ lists of “go-to” online resources for U.S. Naval history.  Though in its infant stage, the blog seems to have a great deal of potential, and just happens to be manned by two of the premier organizations in the field.  Go to http://www.navalhistory.org/ to check it out.  I have pasted the “About the Blog” section below as it effectively summarizes the direction this blog is headed, and what we can expect as it gains its “sea legs.”

First and foremost, this blog is an excursion into the most intriguing questions, theories and musings that continue to fascinate naval historians.  It is a meeting place where renowned scholars and self-taught history buffs linger and share ideas and perspective on naval events that shape nations.
The Naval History Blog is hosted by two organizations steeped in the traditions of naval history, which see it as a cornerstone of their missions.  The U.S. Naval Institute and the Naval History & Heritage Command are working together to bring their considerable intellectual resources and passion for naval history to this destination.
The forum is a place to honor our naval heritage, explore its unresolved debates, uncover new information, and respectfully stimulate an honest, thoughtful discussion.

Perhaps a section on the Age of Sail is in order?  One can hope, can’t he?  Regardless, the site looks to be a great resource and center for debate and intellectual discussion.  I encourage you to check out the site, as well as the posting, “On the Study of Naval History.”  Though long, it is a very interesting and quality analysis of naval tactics by Rear Admiral Steven B. Luce, founder and first president of the Naval War College in the mid-1880’s.  It is a great historical piece from the magazine, Proceedings, in the year 1887.
In other news, I am presently working on the third and final section of my Evolution of War Wounds discussions, which should be available in a day or two.



A Man-Made Tragedy of Increasing Proportions

I felt this picture, which I came across in regular browsing, was worth a post on its own.



The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, where the Deepwater Horizon continues spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons (the figure is almost too incredible to believe) daily.  It is rapidly approaching the size of a small state.
An excellent article written at SeedMagazine.com by author Charles Wohlforth presents a thought-provoking perspective on the issue of blame, and who the recipient(s) should be as well as relating this incident to his own experiences covering the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989.  I recommend checking it out by clicking the following link: http://bit.ly/9WnKUQ.  He presents his point of view, and perhaps the very fact that efforts to clean up this devastating man-made disaster will all prove futile and fall short.  Perhaps provocative, perhaps correct, but certainly worth a view.
Aside from that, I have recently finished Medicine Under Sail by Zachary Friendenberg; the book I was writing about recently.  I am now faced with a decision to read either Longitude by Dava Sobel, or Rough Medicine by Joan Druett.  Decisions, descisions!  Any feedback would be welcome.
*photo provided by Maritime Texas Blog (also a great blog, check them out)


Mosquito-zapping laser - The future of public health?

Now, I know this might not have much to do with history, however, I couldn’t resist putting this TED video into my blog.  This idea, although wacky, does represent the way that technology is (and will be) utilized to bring once-terrible and unstoppable diseases under control.  Let’s think of this as taking a step out of the past and peering into the future, perhaps?  Enjoy!




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10 Fascinating (and strange) Maps

“From the USSR’s Be On Guard! map in 1921 to Google Earth, a new exhibition at the British Library charts the extraordinary documents that transformed the way we view the globe forever”

This collection of maps (click title) from the exhibition at the British Library has some very unique entries.  Right now my favorite is a toss up between the Chinese globe and the Waldseemuller world map (which depicts the North American continent as an oddly shaped sliver of land), although I can’t discount the pro-Bolshevik propaganda map.  

I do find Google Earth to be a bit out of place though.  Believe me, I’ve used it countless times and can testify to its usefulness, but it isn’t exactly in keeping with the historical theme here.  But maybe it’s just me…

If you have any other examples of interesting maps, let me know!

NOAA releases Civil War chart collection

Next year is the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and in recognition of that fact the NOAA has crafted and released a package of Civil War era maps, nautical charts, and documents called “Charting a More Perfect Union”.  These documents were actually prepared during the Civil War (1861-65) by the U.S. Coast Survey.

From the statement by the NOAA:

 

Coast Survey’s collection includes 394 Civil War-era maps, including nautical charts used for naval campaigns, and maps of troop movements and battlefields. Rarely seen publications include Notes on the Coast, prepared by Coast Survey to help Union forces plan naval blockades against the Confederacy, and the annual report summaries by Superintendent Bache as he detailed the trials and tribulations of producing the maps and charts needed to meet growing military demands.

In the nation’s early years, the United States lost more ships to accidents than to war. In 1807, President Thomas Jefferson established the Survey of the Coast to produce the nautical charts necessary for maritime safety, defense and the establishment of national boundaries. By 1861, Coast Survey was the government’s leading scientific agency, charting coastlines and determining land elevations for the nation. Today, the Office of Coast Survey still meets its maritime responsibilities as a part of NOAA, surveying America’s coasts and producing the nation’s nautical charts.

This collection provides researchers and those interested with the opportunity to view historic documents related to the Civil War naval and riverine operations all in one place.  How convenient!  I look forward to perusing it.  If anyone finds anything interesting please let me know.

“Charting a More Perfect Union” can be found at the Office of Coast Survey’s website.

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The video above is the trailer showcasing Joe Follansbee’s recently published book called, The Fyddeye Guide to America’s Maritime History.  Watch the video above and feel free to take a look at Joe’s book on Amazon (link), it looks perfect for those interested in finding maritime historical sites in their area or in the greater USA.  Joe is the main blog editor over at www.fyddeye.com.

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