Surrounded by industrial violence and death, servicemembers of World War I renewed faith, discovered magic and witnessed miracles in everyday and extraordinary objects.
This 4-part lesson set is designed to help students learn more about prosthetic design and prosthetics in WWI, while taking students through an empathetic design process. All or some of these lessons...
Major General Kirk was appointed as the United States Army’s Surgeon General, becoming the first board certified orthopedic surgeon to hold the job. Bringing his experiences from WWI to the assignment...
Renowned orthopedic surgeon Norman T. Kirk published his medical findings and personal experiences, “Amputations.” From his experiences at General Hospital No. 3 and Walter Reed Army Hospital, Kirk’s...
1921...
Internally produced magazines from the Veterans Bureau and the War Department – like “The Come-Back and Carry On!” – gave rehabilitating servicemembers a mix of encouragement and practical tips for...
At the start of the war, 94% of American prosthetic firms used wood to make individually sculpted artificial limbs for patients, which required craftsmen to continuously rework the limb until the fit...
The Rowley Artificial Limb Company became a success in 1917, with manufacturing houses in Pittsburgh and Chicago and distributors across the country. A leg amputee himself, J.F. Rowley began his...
During the same year, the “Openshaw” wooden carrying hand was designed by British surgeon, Thomas Openshaw, and later patented for production by Anderson & Whitelaw, Ltd, a manufacturer of medical...
A French soldier with both arms amputated during the WWI uses prosthetic arms to move soil with a pitchfork.
