The only other object of this Preface is to express my thanks to the many who have aided me in the task of amplifying the observations on which the articles are founded, and I think no writer ever received more sympathetic and kindly help in such particulars than the author. My first thanks, those due to the Members of the Royal Army Medical Corps, I endeavour to express by the dedication of this volume. Any attempt to make individual acknowledgment to either the Members of the Service, or to the Civil Surgeons temporarily attached, would be impossible. I have, however, tried to associate the names of many of those in charge of cases in the recital of histories and treatment throughout. My thanks are not less due to the Military Heads of Departments at the War Office, who have helped me in the collection of details as to the subsequent course of many of the cases described, and in the acquisition of information regarding the weapons and ammunition treated of. I should particularly express my gratitude to Colonel Robb, of the Adjutant-General's Department, and Colonel Montgomery, of the Ordnance Department. I am greatly indebted to my former colleague Mr. Cheatle for two of the illustrations of wounds, and for permission to quote some of his other experience, and to Mr. Henry Catling, to whose skill I owe the majority of the skiagrams of the fractures under my observation at Wynberg and elsewhere. I must also express my thanks to Mr. Danielsson and his artist, Mr. Ford, for the trouble they have taken in converting my rough sketches into the illustrations contained in the volume. Lastly, my warmest gratitude is due to my friends, Mr. Cuthbert Wallace, who has read some of my chapters, and to Mr. F. C. Abbott, who has read the whole book for the press and suggested many improvements and modifications. 47 CHARLES STREET, BERKELEY SQUARE, W. _February_ 1901. CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER I INTRODUCTORY Itinerary--Surgical outfit--Personal transport--General health of the troops--Climate--Consideration of the number of men killed and wounded--Transport of the wounded--Vehicles--Trains--Ships--Hospitals 1 CHAPTER II MODERN MILITARY RIFLES AND THEIR ACTION General type--Calibre, length, and weight of bullet--Velocity--Trajectory--Revolution--Varieties of rifle in common use by the Boers--Penetration--Comparison of bullets--Use of wax--Comparative efficiency of different types 40 CHAPTER III GENERAL CHARACTERS OF WOUNDS INFLICTED BY BULLETS OF SMALL CALIBRE