L INTRODtTCTORY. 



It will be observed that in nearly every instance these laws or- orders state the 

 height required for the recruit without reference to the arm of the service for which 

 he might be intended ; the minimum being alike for all. The Army Regulations of 

 1825, however, fixed the stature of artillerymen at 5 feet 8 inches, or two inches more 

 than the then regulation -height of the infantry. No maximum of stature was pre- 

 scribed until December 23, 1872, when the limit of 5 feet 10 inches was announced 

 for cavalry-recruits. 



The orders now in force designate 5 feet 4 inches as the lowest stature for in- 

 fantry, with a minimum limit of 5 feet 5 inches for cavalry. The limits of age are 

 sixteen and thirty-five years. From 1790 the minimum of age has been eighteen 

 years, without variation; but quite recently (April 23, 1874) the Secretary of War 

 issued an order by which the enlistment of lads of sixteen years of age is permitted. 

 It is understood that this was in accordance with the provisions of an act of Congress 

 which seemed obligatory on the subject. The hope may be expressed that this 

 injudicious change may be speedily corrected. 



The first authoritative work issued in the United States upon the medical exami- 

 nation of recruits was published in 1840 by Assistant Surgeon Thomas Henderson,^ 

 and it continued to be the official standard for many years. In 1856 it was repub- 

 lished, with additional matter, by Assistant Sm-geon Coolidge." In 1858 Surgeon 

 Charles S. Tripler published the first volume of a work intended to be a complete 

 manual for the military surgeon.^ This volume comprised the subject of medical 

 examination of recruits. The death of the distinguished aiithor in 1866 prevented 

 the completion of the design. In 1863 Assistant Surgeon Bartholow compiled a 

 manual upon the same subject, more copi(ms in detail, and founded upon the official 

 list of diseases and disqualifications issued by the Provost-Marshal-General's Bureau.^ 

 The manuals of Drs. Tripler and Bartholow are the official gviides to which the 

 medical officer, in examining recruits, is directed to refer for instruction. 



In the general examination, the recruit is to be stripped naked, his height and 

 weight I'ecorded, and the circumference of his chest ascertained, with the measuring- 

 tape passed over, that is to say, upon, the nipples. It was formerly the custom to 

 obtain this measurement while the man's arms were extended above his head ; but a 

 recent order^ directs it to be taken, both at inspiration and expiration, while the arms 

 of the recruit are hanging loosely at his side. 



The following list, conihined from the two manuals above referred to, exhibits all 

 the authorized grounds for rejection : 



' Uivta on Ike medical examination of recruits for the Army, and disvharge of soldiers from service on surgeon's certificate. 

 8vo. Pliiladulphia, 1840. 



- The same. A new (dition, rcvisod Iiy RicHAUD H. Cooi.iDCK. 8vo. Pbilatlelijbia, 18.56. 



^ Manual of the medical officer of the Aimy of the United Slates. Part I. Itecruiting and the inspection of recruits. 

 8vo. L'iiiciiiiiatl, IbfjS. 



*A manual of instructions for enlisting and discharging soldiers, with special reference to the medical cxainination of 

 recruits, and the detection of disqualifi/ing and feigned diseases. 12mo. Pbiladelpliia, 1863. 



^ Virculni- Order \o. 1, HV/r Dep., S. f!. O., .Inn. 2, 1874. 



