surgeons' reports OHIO FIFTH IjISTRICT. 399 



I woulil not advise ii change in the list of diseases and intirniities as given in paragraph 85, 

 Revised Kegidatious Provost-Marshal-Geueral's Bureau, as I believe that, with a proi)er construc- 

 tion and understanding of them, all drafted men who are really unfit for military service can be 

 exempted in accordance with its jjrovisions. * * * 



From seventy-Jive to one hundred men can by vigorous effort be examined with accuracy in a 

 day. 



I have had but little diflflculty with drafted men through feigned or exaggerated disease or 

 disability. Some did pretend to be deaf, to have diseased lungs, lame back, rheumatism, disease 

 of heart, &c., but were easily detected. 



I could not lay down any fixed rule for diagnosing simulated disease. The surgeon must use 

 his own judgment and ijowers of observation, and his peculiar tact, or instinct, to detect it. 



Substitutes and recruits. — With these I have no difficulty, as I make it a rule to accept none 

 but such as are without blemish. Those coming before me having any i)hysical discpialiflcatlon 

 never made any attempt to conceal it that I am aware of; on the contrary, appeared honestly to 

 be unaware of having any disability existing. 



The native-born citizens of the United States present the greatest physical aptitude for mili- 

 tary service. Their stature being generally medium or above, their chest well formed and capa- 

 cious, limbs muscular, and possessing a generally perfect condition of the organs of sense, there 

 was thus indicated a just proportion between the trunk and different members of the body. 



The average perfection of physical qualilicatious of the colored men examined bj' me at this 

 office, I think, surpasses all otht^rs. 



I would suggest but one change in the enrollment-law as it now exists, viz: 



Upon a call made and assignment of quotas under the call, the percentage in any given sub- 

 district being ascertained, (say one in ten,) the number of citizens required to furnish one recruit 

 should be permitted to furnish that recruit, and the board authorized to record their names and 

 remove their cards from the box /or that call. 



I am satisfied if this change was made all calls would be filled without draft ; that prices would 

 be less by one-half; and that bounty -jumping would be at an end. 



1. FISLEE, 

 Surgeon Board of Enrollment Fourth District oj Ohio. 



Ukbana, Ohio, June 8, 18G5. 



OHIO— FIFTH DISTRICT. 

 Extracts from report of Dr. C. I. Neff. 



* * # J have held the position of surgeon of this board since its organization, in 



May, 18t!3. During this period, I have examined about fifteen thousand men, including recruits, 

 substitutes, drafted, and enrolled men. 



The Filth Congressional District of Ohio is composed of the counties of Van Wert, Mercer, 

 Auglaize, Allen, Hancock, Hardin, and Wyandot. The surface of the country is generally level, 

 and, with the exception of Wyandot County, is heavily timbered. The soil is generally a black 

 loam. 



The prevailing diseases are malarious. Rheumatism and erysipelas also prevail to a consider- 

 able extent. The inhabitants are generally engaged in agricultural pursuits, are industrious, sober, 

 simple iu their habits, and, as a consequence, thrifty. 



As the result of numerous long and severe attacks of remittent and intermittent fevers, there 

 are many cases of chronic hepatitis, siilenitis, &c. It will also be .seen from my final report that 

 organic disease of the heart is very common. I have taken great pains to trace this disease to its 

 origin, and find that very many cases are caused undoubtedly by erysipelas. This disease has pre- 

 vailed in a portion of this district as an e[)idemic, especially in Hancock County. There are also 

 many cases directly traceable to the immense labor, the lifting and straining necessary to clearing 

 the heavilvtinil)ei(Mt lands. 



