Letter of the Day: December 20

Improved Centrifugal Machine

December 20, 1894

To the
Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
Washington, D.C.

Sir:

I have the honor to report that I have examined the improved Dougherty Centrifugal Machine received on the 17th inst. I find that it is some respects superior to the old centrifugal machine made by the same firm. The number of revolutions is certainly much greater; and, as it runs by clock-work, it saves the labor of turning with the hand. If the spring is thoroughly strong, and warranted to last for several years, then I would pronounce it the better machine of the two for use in the service.

Very respectfully,

Walter Reed

Major and Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator Army Medical Museum