My New Trail Medicine Kit

[Tsalagidave]

I came across an original CW soldier's medicine kit that had a couple vials of medicine along with some bandages etc. I thought that I would like to take that concept and adapt it to a squad-sized version for the trail. None of the items in this kit are props. They all contain a serviceable remedy treatment for the numerous afflictions one can encounter out there. It weighs about 1.5 lbs. so it adds to my burden but if anyone in the group is hurt or sick, this provides added immersion value by offering safe, period treatment.

In real life, I got my training and certification in life-guarding and as a first-responder so I figured that I should incorporate this into my first person as well.

The quinine tin actually contains a mixture of quinine and crystallized citric acid. It is administered as a preventative in the morning and evening. Primarily it is good for combating fever.
The Shakers Frost Extractor is actually an 1800s era lineament that i normally use.
I made the bayrum. It is mainly a deodorant and antiseptic for washing wounds.
The bicarbonate is for stomach complaint.
Period gause and bandages (can cover modern bandage treatments)
Pennyroyal insect repellant
Modern electrolyte treatment as a "Cholera-medicine"
Pain pills in a period jar. (Ibuprofin)
Petrolatum
needles
scissors
original bone-tweezers
Sassafrass compound for wound treatment and internal complaints
Vermifuge for  stomach parasites

All the comforts of home on the trail. For more serious situations, I have a modern first aid kit wrapped in a period brown parcel.

-Dave

[G.W. Strong]

I really like this. Can you tell me more about the bandages. Are the lables based on something specific? Can you share?

How liquid tight are the corks? Any leakage with them being transported?

[Tsalagidave]

Thanks Hopalong,

I got the bandage labels from the sullivan press. Here is the CD that the medical labels are on: http://www.sullivanpress.com/CD0101.html

The various medical depots made bandages in various sizes. Mine are a 1" by 36" of bandage linen. Use gauze underneath the wrappings. To waterproof your corks, try waxing them and then heating them to set. You may also want to wax some paper and insert that between the cork and the bottle opening.

Although it is documented that travelers also went along with no medical supplies at all, people fortified themselves against disease using various medicines and home cures.  Period books on home medical cures were widely distributed and used. Let me know if you need any other leads on period medical stuff.

-Dave

[Tsalagidave]

Here is the original item that I based my kit on: http://www.antiquescientifica.com/web.civil_war_medical_box.htm . It belonged to Charles E. White (15th NH) at the siege of Port Hudson in 1861-62. Mine is bigger for a larger group of people.

The Charles White box has a single-serving of bandages with possibly a bottle of pain pills and a bottle of liquid antiseptic or Stomach medicine, Vermifuge,... quien sabe?

Mine is more for the multiple ailments from a sore throat to GI complaint, headache, fever, and minor wounds until better care can be obtained. I made it a squad size for carrying in a group.

Note: His box is tacked while mine is dovetailed. Either is correct to the period.

-Dave

[Tascosa Joe]

The box looks like a colonial candle box.  Way cool.

[Tsalagidave]

Thanks Joe,

This may have originally been a candle box or a cigar box. Boxes like these were pretty common up through till the end of the 19th C. I can't say how many times a kit like this helped someone out at an event. Someone needs to play "Doc" at a back-country event.

-Dave

[Tascosa Joe]

I have also seen a similar box in antique stores marked "Velveta".  LOL 

[Tsalagidave]

Velveta!?! LOL!! Maybe I should have loaded it up with Cheese and sausages instead. It would get even more use.

-Dave

[Old Top]

I was trying to remember where I had seen this box before, and the Velveta Cheese was where I had seen it.

Old Top

[Tsalagidave]

Its close now that you guys mention it. LOL.