The American Civil War took place from 1861 to 1865. During this war more soldiers died of diseases than battle. Many others died of incapacitated wounds, infection, and accidents. Medical professionals and supplies were in very short supply, which lead to reusing medical tools causing a huge spread of diseases and infection. The unfortunate result of this war, lead to a dramatic long-term impact on modern American Medicine from surgical techniques, to sanitary working conditions, nursing, and research facilities.
This is an image of a surgical tool box from 1865. These tool bins were lined with velvet. The velvet served as a home for bacteria, viruses, and disease, ultimately leading to the spread of illnesses, infections, and diseases.