Union Nurses of The Civil War

Digressing a bit from 19th century lady naturalists, but timely to me suddenly are the stories of the Union nurses of the Civil War. (Above, "Our Women and the War" illustration from Harper's Weekly, September 6, 1862.)

Dorothea Dix, Louisa May Alcott, Clara Barton (above), Mary Ann Ball and Mary Phinney, as portrayed, below, in a screen shot from the PBS series Mercy Street, have new meaning in this "modern" political era as helpers, forces for the good. For life.

[Did Civil War nurses have uniforms? This blogger says no, don't be ridiculous.]

On July 24, 1862 Circular Order No. 8 was issued laying down Dorothea Dix's strict requirements for appointment in her nurse corps. Candidates were to be be between 35 and 50 years old (check!), obedient to rules (darn! is there wiggle room on this?), matronly persons of experience (check plus! Matronly is a positive? YES!) with good character (I sometimes make bad choices) and strong health (I'm as healthy as I'll ever be).