There young medical men nominated for appointment recollection to the army underwent a course of training, more or less long, according to individual circumstances, for the special duties before them ; meanwhile they received no pay, wore no uniform ; they dined at mess, paid mess subscriptions, and were subject to martial law.
Professional education included requirements for diplomas, and in addition, special subjects relating to military medicine, surgery, and management of troops. Nominations for appointments were given by old officers or other men whose social position was a guarantee in regard to character and fitness of their nominees for the position sought by them ; certificates by professors and teachers under whom they studied were submitted to the responsible authority at the War Office, with whom rested their selection. Thus in effect a combined system of patronage and competition was in force.