Description:

German medical kit, consisting of a large box containing dozens of medical instruments. This surgeon's kit contained an amputation saw, among other things. One could get trench foot or foot rot by wearing wet socks for a prolonged period of time. Soldiers therefore had to change their socks every day. Due to a lack of antibiotics and hygiene, serious infections could be caused not only by trench foot or foot rot but also by small wounds. These infections often led to amputation. Personal hygiene was therefore very important for the soldiers. Anaesthesia during surgery or amputations was normally performed by applying a few drops of either ether or chloroform onto a mask. During major battles, the frequent lack of medicine unfortunately meant that many operations took place without any anaesthetic at all.