  We consider arbitrary splits of field operators into two parts, and use the
corresponding definition of normal ordering introduced by Evans and Steer. In
this case the normal ordered products and contractions have none of the special
symmetry properties assumed in existing proofs of Wick's theorem. Despite this,
we prove that Wick's theorem still holds in its usual form as long as the
contraction is a c-number. Wick's theorem is thus shown to be much more general
than existing derivations suggest, and we discuss possible simplifying
applications of this result.
