Assistant Surgeon vs. Junior Assistant Surgeon

["Doc" Nelson]

Noah,
I am trying to find where I had read that at. In fact, I have read it a few different times. I have also seen a listing for a "1st Assistant Surgeon". I have not been able to find any regulations or such on an actual position of Junior Assistant Surgeon or, 1st Assistant Surgeon. Now, from reading articles after doing a "Google Search", the only thing I can come up with would be, basically as you guys have said (well, as Hank stated and, with what Noah said about Dr. Hammond). It's more of a level of seniority at an assignment say, to a Regiment? Where, if you have 2 Assistant Surgeons, I guess one would be considered a "Junior" and the other, maybe a Senior Assistant or 1st Assistant Surgeon???? I have been searching like crazy to find anything solid that supports these titles. I'm scratching my head trying to find information on this.

Thanks,

["Doc" Nelson]

Here are a couple of links to some websites, that have information about a "1st Assistant" and a "2nd Assistant Surgeon". Now, with what I have read, so far. To me, it seems you guys may be right in your comments. It does seem that the "1st, 2nd or Junior", refers to their seniority at the post assigned to (Regiment, Hospital, etc.).

http://www.15thwisconsin.net/15ssoh01.htm
http://www.15thwisconsin.net/15sssl01.htm
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/other/ABL/...ginal-reg.html
http://home.att.net/~dogsgt/history1a.html
http://www.geocities.com/capecanaver...19/csmith.html

[DrMcGuire]

According to "Doctors In Blue," ranks of surgeons in the US Army were not as clear cut as they were in the Confederate Army. It seemed that many of the physicians serving the Union were quite concerned with status and demanded ranks that were indicative of seniority.

I also have never heard of a Junior Assistant Surgeon

[David Meister]

I have seen reference made to 1st and 2nd assistant surgeons on the Illinois muster rolls online they are abbreviated 1asurg and 2asurg

["Doc" Nelson]

I, too, have seen quite a few references. I'm pretty sure that it is in reference to seniority. As per US Army regulations, 1861 ... when Surgeons were appointed, they were given the pay and emoluments of a "Major of Cavalry" ... and Assistant Surgeons were given the pay and emoluments of a "1st Lieutenant of Cavalry".

Of course, the "gradual" promotion to Captain were made on a few occasions (Surgeon James W. Fitzpatrick of the 9th Massachusetts is the first to pop in my head).

[cwdoc45]

The reference to a dental officer places this in 1911 or after as the dental corps for the US Army was not formed until that date.