Chapter 713: The French Royal Military Medical University
Unlike the 21st century, where the misuse of antibiotics led to widespread drug-resistant bacteria, the pathogens of this era were "untrained." As a result, penicillin was remarkably effective.
Just four hours after the injection, Camellia's fever had already begun to subside.
Shortly after five, Dr. Lamarck returned with a freshly purified vial of glucose—barely 70 grams at a concentration of 7.3%.
At this time, glucose could not yet be produced from starch. Combined with primitive purification techniques, making even this small amount had required over ten kilograms of raisins, costing more than 200 francs.
Lamarck carefully drew the glucose solution into the syringe, inserted it into the vein in Camellia's arm, and began injecting it slowly.
Joseph had specifically instructed that glucose should be injected gradually. Without IV equipment, the process had to be done manually.
Fortunately, Lamarck's hand was steady, and it took ten minutes to inject the entire solution.
As the needle was withdrawn, Camellia immediately appeared more alert and even asked Perna to help her sit up.
Joseph looked at her pale face with concern. "How are you feeling? Better?"
The young maid nodded, her voice stronger than before. "Thank you, Your Highness. I feel much less unwell."
Lamarck and his assistants exchanged shocked glances.
As experienced physicians, they knew how weak Camellia had been. Even if the "Type I Antibiotic" worked as expected—similar to their rabbit experiments—they had estimated she would need five or six days to regain her strength.
One pessimistic doctor had even suggested it might take over two weeks for her to leave her bed.
Yet the glucose had worked like magic, restoring her energy almost instantly.
The Mystery of Glucose
Lamarck leaned close to Joseph and whispered, "Your Highness, is glucose similar to opium tincture in its mechanism?"
Opium tincture, derived from poppy, could indeed provide a quick boost in energy.
Joseph chuckled. "No, not at all. Glucose is an energy substance.
"The food we consume is ultimately broken down into glucose in our bodies. Everything we do, even lying still and thinking, consumes this energy.
"By injecting glucose into Camellia, we've essentially provided her with the equivalent of a hearty meal that's already been fully digested, allowing her to quickly recover her strength."
"Wait, Your Highness, could you repeat that?" Lamarck hastily pulled out a notebook and began taking detailed notes.
His assistants did the same, scribbling furiously.
Their excitement was understandable. If this groundbreaking theory were proven correct, it could win them the prestigious Louis Medical Prize at the next ceremony!
"Of course." Joseph nodded and proceeded to explain everything he knew about glucose, including the importance of saline injections to replenish electrolytes.
Lamarck, visibly thrilled, exclaimed, "Your Highness, based on what you've said, we could theoretically survive without eating or drinking—just by injecting glucose and saline daily.
"This could redefine human life as we know it!"
He didn't even question how Joseph knew all this. Over time, the Crown Prince had given him so many "divine revelations" that Lamarck had simply accepted it as normal—surely a gift from God.
Joseph quickly corrected him, shaking his head. "That's not possible. To survive, we need more than just basic energy, water, and electrolytes. We also require a wide variety of vitamins and trace elements, all of which must come from diverse food sources."
Lamarck's eyes widened as he murmured, "Vitamins… trace elements… essential substances for survival…"
Joseph suddenly realized he was digressing. Clearing his throat, he said, "I can discuss these topics with you later, once your work on the 'Type I Antibiotic' progresses further."
He glanced outside at the fading light, then turned to Camellia. "This isn't a suitable place for a patient to rest. I'll take her back to Versailles."
"Understood, Your Highness." Lamarck nodded, though he looked a bit disappointed. He hesitated before asking, "May I write a paper on glucose and electrolytes? I promise it won't interfere with our research here."
"Of course," Joseph replied. "Please also ensure that Camellia receives her medicine and glucose injections tomorrow morning at Versailles."
"I'll deliver them personally." Lamarck seemed eager to glean more knowledge about vitamins and related topics. He quickly added, "Injecting these substances requires skill, and I'm concerned others may not do it properly."
"Very well. I'll leave it to you."
A New Idea
On the way back to Versailles, Perna sat quietly in the carriage, deep in thought.
Joseph, noticing her pensive expression, was about to ask what was on her mind when she suddenly looked up, her eyes alight with excitement.
"Your Highness, injecting glucose and saline could be revolutionary for treating injured soldiers.
"Many succumb not to their wounds but because they're too weak or unconscious to eat, leading to a gradual collapse.
"If we include glucose and saline in our medical supplies, we could drastically reduce mortality among the wounded!"
Perna's unwavering dedication to soldiers was evident—no surprise for the founder of the French Army Field Hospital.
Joseph nodded in agreement. "You're absolutely right. We'll need a new factory to produce syringes. As for glucose, it can be manufactured at the Paris Pharmaceutical Plant."
Perna added, "Your Highness, we could use the mask factory for syringe production. The workers there are already highly skilled."
The mask factory, an investment Joseph had entrusted to Perna, had grown into a facility capable of producing 65,000 masks monthly. It was not only profitable but also well-managed under her leadership.
Joseph nodded again. "That's a good idea. I'll have today's craftsmen assist you."
Perna leaned against his shoulder, her voice soft. "Thank God I met you. My life has gained so much meaning by your side."
Joseph stroked her hair gently. "You are the most beautiful part of my life."
After a brief moment of tenderness, Perna suddenly recalled something.
"By the way, Your Highness, my father mentioned that injecting medicines requires exceptional skill. Even I struggle to find veins easily.
"We'll need to provide specialized training for military doctors and nurses in field hospitals."
Joseph patted her hand reassuringly. "Why stop there? Let's establish a military medical university.
"Our soldiers deserve the best care. I'll have Brienne allocate funding.
"The French Royal Military Medical University—and you shall be its first principal."
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