JV INTRODUCTORY. 



his physical qualifications. He Avas then placed under the sliding-bar of a stationary 

 measui'ing-rod, directed to stand erect while his height was accurately measured and 

 noted, and a tape-measure was passed around the chest, over the inferior angles of 

 the scapulae, and directly over the nipples, and an accurate measurement taken both at 

 inspiration and at expiration. After this the color of the eyes and hair, and the com- 

 plexion were noted, and a general inspection of the whole body made, notice being 

 taken of the muscular development and general appearance ; and at the same time 

 tumors, ulcers, varicose veins, clu-onic swellings of the extremities, or any visible defect 

 that would disqualify him for service, were carefully sought for. The head was then 

 examined for any depressions or irregularities that might exist, and the eyes, eyelids, 

 nose, ears, teeth, palate, and fauces were attentively noticed. The chest was then 

 inspected, and the respiration, action of the heart, and condition of the lungs ascertained 

 by auscultation and percussion. He was next directed to stand erect, place his heels 

 together, and raise his hands vertically above his head, the backs together, in which 

 position he was required to cough and make other expulsive movements, while the 

 abdomen, the inguinal rings, and the scrotum were examined for hernia. The penis 

 was then examined for epispadia, hypospadia, and venereal disease ; the groin for 

 glandular enlargements ; and the testicles for atrophy, induration, and other diseases 

 He was then required to bend forward, the fingers touching the floor, the legs straight, 

 and the feet widely separated, in which position the fissure between the nates was 

 inspected for haemorrhoids, fistula, prolapsus ani, or any other disease of the anus, and 

 firm pressure was made along the whole length of the spine, at shoi't intervals, to dis- 

 cover if any tenderness indicative of disease existed. Next he was required to extend 

 his arms laterally, at right angles to the body, and then bring them together on as 

 nearly the same level as possible both in front and behind ; to pronate and supinate 

 them rapidly ; to strike out from the shoulder ; to flex the arm upon the shoulder, 

 and the forearm upon the arm ; and to open and close the fingers rapidly. He 

 was then required to walk rapidly, and to run around the room several times ; to 

 hop, first on one foot and then on the other ; with his heels together, to raise himself 

 upon his toes ; to flex and extend the thigh, leg, and foot ; to kick first with one foot 

 and then with the other, and to make several leaps in the air. While thus excited, he 

 was again examined for lung and heart diseases, and also for hernia. The eye-sight 

 was next tested by placing him at one end of the room, the surgeon standing at the 

 other, and asking him the number and color of objects displayed to each eye separately. 

 The hearing was also tested at the same time by modulating the tones of the voice 

 while conversing with him, and by covering one ear while endeavoring to discover 

 defects of the other. The remaining portion of the record was then made out, the re- 

 sult of the examination recorded, and, in case of rejection, the disease or infii-mity on 

 account of which he was found unfit for military service was written in full. 



The foregoing method of conducting the examinations applies more particularly to 

 volunteers and substitutes, who frequently sought to hide defects in order that they 

 might be accepted, receive large bounties, and, when in the field or at rendezvous and 

 distributing-camps, be discharged from the service to enlist again, and again obtain 

 bounties. With the drafted man, however, the case was different, and the manner of 



