This online exhibit from Duke University Libraries provides historical context for some of the topics and primary sources included in this class session. Briefly review the short exhibit text before your class session.
How many injuries resulted in amputation during the Civil War
According to the article, what are some misconceptions about Civil War surgery?
What type of questions might a surgeon have to make regarding whether to amputate or not?
What issues did many amputees face when returning home from battle?
Describe how surgery today differs from that of Civil War surgery
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Explore and be curious! Our class sessions are interactive, hands-on opportunities to look at lots of materials, so take advantage of this time. Challenge yourself to look (even briefly) at items that don’t initially catch your interest--you might be surprised at what you discover.
Our class sessions seek to be inclusive, offering multiple perspectives, viewpoints, or lived experiences, but may not include the voices of every population for a number of reasons. Let’s talk in class about the voices that aren’t represented.
The background, experience, and knowledge you bring to this class session are valuable. There isn’t one right interpretation of a historical document. Please listen carefully and treat everyone’s responses respectfully.
The material you encounter in this session has the potential to be uncomfortable or upsetting. Be kind to yourself and recognize your limits. You can look at something else or even step out of the room to take a break.
When working with historical documents, you may encounter racist, oppressive, or outdated language in the documents themselves or in the archival record. When we discuss these items, we will want to use terms that reflect the ways these communities describe themselves today.
