INTKODUCTUKY. XXXIX 



which purpose he will sometimes address questions to the recruit in a low voice. As 

 a general rule, the surgeon ought to keep up a conversation with the recruit, and fre- 

 quently dwell upon subjects having no connection with the examination. 



Of the neck he will observe the shape, mobility, and direction ; also if there be 

 any tumors, fistulas, or cicatrices ; the position of the head must also be considered. 



In examining the chest, ho will scrutinize the sha,i)e of the thorax, its length, its 

 breadth, and its depth ; the condition of the clavicles, the sternum, the processus ensi- 

 formis, and the ribs. The circumference of the chest is to be measured in all recruits 

 having the prescribed height, independently of their being otherwise considered fit or 

 unfit for military service. The mode of proceeding is as follows: The recruit will 

 extend the arms hoi'izontally ; the surgeon, placing himself behind the recruit, will lay 

 the tape over both nipples, covering them, and, passing it horizontally around the chest, 

 will join the ends on the vertebral column, and take the measure at the moment of 

 completed expiration. If* the measurement show 29 inches, Austrian measure, (30 inches, 

 English,) the recruit will be considered, all otlier conditions being favorable, a fit 

 subject for military service. A girth of less than 29 inches, even if combined with the 

 minimum height of 59 inches, Austrian measure, (61 inches, English,) will be con- 

 sidered sufficient reason for rejection. The surgeon will cause the recruit to breathe 

 deeply several times, to observe if the act of respiration be performed freely and easily. 

 He will take into consideration any cough and its sound which may present itself at 

 this time. He will then observe the heart and the heart-beats. In doubtful or sus- 

 pected cases of disease of the organs of circulation and respiration, he will call to aid 

 physical diagnosis, (auscultation and percussion;) the position of the scapulas and the 

 condition of the axillary glands are also to be taken into consideration. 



The size of the abdomen must be observed ; also if tumors exist externally or in 

 the abdominal cavity. The condition of the umbilicus, of the abdominal ring, and the 

 existence of dilatation of the latter, or of hernia, should be noted. To facilitate the 

 discovery of the latter two infirmities, the recruit should be made to blow into his fist. 



The formation of the pelvis is to be observed. Of the organs of generation, the 

 penis, the spermatic cords, the testes, the scrotum, and the perineum must be carefully 

 examined, and particular attention paid to the condition of the urethra. The presence 

 of both testes and their freedom from indurations, and the non-existence of hernia or 

 other tumors in the scrotum should be also carefully determined. 



The surgeon will now proceed to the examination of the vertebral column. He 

 will observe if it have the normal direction, or deviate from it ; if some of the vertebrae 

 be unduly prominent, hypertrophied, or atrophied. For the purpose of this examina- 

 tion the body of the recruit must be bent forward. At the same time the sacrum, the 

 coccyx, and the anus must be examined ; in the latter, to discover haemorrhoids, fistula, 

 or prolapsus. 



Finally, the surgeon will proceed to the examination of the extremities. He will 

 observe their formation in regard to length, development, and mobility, as well as the 

 condition of the skin and of the superficial blood-vessels. The movability of the indi- 

 vidual joints can be judged of by flexion, extension, addixction, abduction, and 

 rotation. 



