Legrand G. Capers

LeGrand G. Capers

Legrand G. Capers was a 19th-century American physician known for his contributions to medicine and his involvement in the American Civil War. He is most famously associated with a controversial and widely debated medical case.

Early Life and Education

Legrand G. Capers was born in South Carolina in the early 19th century. He pursued his medical education at the Medical College of South Carolina, where he graduated with a degree in medicine. Capers was known for his keen interest in surgical procedures and medical innovations.

Medical Career

After completing his education, Capers established a medical practice in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He quickly gained a reputation for his skill and dedication to his patients. During the American Civil War, Capers served as a surgeon for the Confederate States Army, where he treated numerous soldiers and gained significant experience in battlefield medicine.

The Controversial Case

Legrand G. Capers is perhaps best known for a controversial medical case that he reported in the American Medical Weekly in 1874. According to Capers, a soldier was wounded in the abdomen during the Battle of Raymond. The bullet allegedly passed through the soldier's scrotum, carrying sperm into the abdomen of a nearby woman, who subsequently became pregnant. This case has been widely debated and is often cited as an example of medical folklore.

Later Life and Legacy

After the war, Capers continued his medical practice in Vicksburg. He remained an active member of the medical community and contributed to various medical journals. Capers passed away in the late 19th century, leaving behind a legacy of medical curiosity and dedication to his field.

See Also

• American Civil War medicine
• Medical folklore
• Confederate States Army