The factual material which serves as the basis for the observations made here is largely presented in Table l. Consecutive cases were observed, insofar as this was possible. There was no selection of patients other than (a) they had one of five kinds of severe wounds chosen as representative; extensive peripheral soft-tissue injury, compound fracture of a long bone, a penetrated head, a penetrated chest, or a penetrated abdomen;(b) they were clear mentally; and (c) they were not in shock at the time of questioning.(If shock was present on arrival, as in a few cases, questioning was delayed until the shock had been relieved.) Men wounded in battle usually have multiple wounds. The categories listed refer to the chief wound.