Report C: Rules for Preserving the Health of the Soldier

This item is an essay describing forty rules that should be followed in order to achieve the highest level of health and sanitation for soldiers. The rules were adopted and approved by the U.S. Sanitary Commission on July 12, 1861.

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SANITARY COMMISSION. C. RULES FOR Prrserbing the of thy Soldicr. [FIFTH EDITION. ] The members of the Sanitary Commission ordered by the President of the United States, and acting under the direc- tion of the Secretary of War, in co-operation with the Army Medical Bureau, to secure by all possible means the health and efficiency of our troops now in the field, and to prevent unnecessary disease and suffering, do most earnestly and affectionately request their brethren of the volunteers and militia to adopt and carry out the following "Rules FOR PRESERVING THE HEALTH OF THE SOLDIER." They are de- rived from the highest authority and the largest experience of military and medical men, and it is believed that, if fol- lowed with the intelligence and honesty of purpose which characterize the American soldier, they will save the lives of thousands of brave men who would be otherwise lost to the service of their country. They are addressed alike to officers and privates, inasmuch as the latter are liable to promotion, and upon their officers devolves the responsibility of securing their health, safety, and comfort. They will be found in no instance to conflict with the "Army Regulations," by which all ranks are gov-