Surg. 1st Regiment Illinois Volunteers. In compliance with the solicitations of many friends, and with the view of satisfying to some extent, the desire manifested by our medical brethren for information concerning the medical department of our army in Mexico, we propose to lay before our readers, from time to time, such facts and remarks as we may deem most interesting and worthy of their attention. As an introduction to our subject, we shall endeavor, at this time, to give a brief history of

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... surgeon's duties, as prescribed by army regulations, and to make a few remarks of a general character upon the effect of long inarches and a camp life in producing and modifying disease. With regard to the organization of the medical department, it may be stated that the Surgeon General, stationed at Washington, is charged with its administrative details, and has the control of all the officers belonging to it. He assigns the surgeons and assistant surgeons to regiments, posts, and stations, and all official communications from them are made direct to him. The senior medical officer of every separate division of the army, in the capacity of medical director, inspects hospitals, sees that the necessary medicines are provided, and that the surgeons and assistant surgeons perform their duties and abide by the rules and regulations given for their government and direction. The surgeon of a regiment, so far as his professional duties are concerned, obeys the instructions of the medical director, and is responsible to him for the order and neatness of his hospital, for the manner in which the assistants and attendants perform their duties, and for the comfort and proper treatment of the sick. It is his duty to keep, for the inspection of the medical director, a register, containing the names and rank of the sick under his charge, and, also, a prescription and diet book containing his written prescriptions and directions for every case. It is the duty of the orderly sergeant of each company to make, to the surgeon, written morning reports of sick, and to see that those who are able, present themselves for inspection at time and place appointed by the surgeon. Every surgeon or assistant surgeon, having charge of sick, makes monthly reports to the medical director, and every one attending to the sick of a regiment, post or garrison, makes daily morning reports to the commanding officer, with such remarks and suggestions in relation to whatever may affect the health of the soldiers as he may deem necessary and proper.