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Sternberg
71980
Communications on official business should be addressed, "To the Surgeon General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C."
A Subject
In reply refer to No.
CARDED.
WAR DEPARTMENT.
Surgeon General's Office,
Washington, May 29, 1900.
Major Walter Reed,
Surgeon, U. S. Army,
Curator, Army Medical Museum,
Surgeon General's Office, Washington, D. C.
Sir:-
As President of the Board constituted for the purpose of making
investigations with reference to the infectious diseases prevailing in
the island of Cuba (paragraph 34, S. O. 122, A. G. O., May 24, 1900), you
will be governed by the following instructions: This order does not relieve Acting Assistant Surgeons Lazear and
Agramonte from the duties to which they are at present assigned, but they
are expected to render such assistance as may be practicable in carrying
out the investigations contemplated. Upon arriving in Cuba you should report in person to Major General
Wood and inform him as to the objects of your investigation and the nature
of your instructions. He will no doubt do everything in his power to as-
sist you. I understand that there is a well-equipped laboratory at Camp
Columbia, where Acting Assistant Surgeon Lazear is stationed, and another a
Military Hospital Number One, where Acting Assistant Surgeon Agramonte is
on duty. No doubt both of these laboratories will be placed at your dis-
position, and you are at liberty to make your headquarters at either one
which may seem to you best suited for your purpose. |
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You will naturally give special attention to questions relating
to the etiology and prevention of yellow fever. As you are familiar
with what has already been done by other bacteriologists in this field
of investigation, I do not consider it necessary to give you any sug-
gestions or detailed instructions. But it is evident that the most
important question which will occupy your attention is that which re-
lates to the etiology of this disease. You will also take advantage of such opportunities as may offer
for the study of other infectious diseases, and especially of the ma-
larial fevers prevailing in the island of Cuba. An important question
in connection with the diseases of tropical and semi-tropical countries
relates to the etiology of febrile attacks of short duration to which
strangers are especially subject. Should you have time there will be
ample opportunity for the study of leprosy, in the Leper's Hospital in
the city of Havana. Attention should also be given to the infectious
diseases of the lower animals, in case any such prevail, the etiology
of which has not been definitely determined. You are authorized to obtain from the Medical Supply Depot in Havana
such articles as you may require, upon requisitions approved by the Chief
Surgeon, Division of Cuba. Necessary articles not on hand in that Depot
should be called for upon special requisitions to be sent to this office. Very respectfully,
Geo. M. Sternberg
Surgeon General, U. S. Army.
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