122 REPORT OF THE PSYCHOLOGY COMMITTEE 



5. The velocity of eye -movement. This is also a universal 

 factor in adjustment to seen events. But it seemed important for 

 other reasons. Dependent on the nice coordination of the orbital 

 muscles, it is very sensitive to disturbances of the central nervous 

 system. 



6. The speed of the oscillations of the fingers. Like the eye- 

 movements, it is a kind of coordination test with simple technique, 

 and a flat practice curve. 



7. The hand dynamometer. Frankly this was a makeshift. 

 We expected to discard it for the Martin strength tests as soon as 

 Lieutenant Richmond arrived.^ 



8. Continuous addition, a simple form of continuous work test 

 with controlled association. 



"The most consistent and largest effect of gas-mask ten- 

 ancy was decrease of visual acuity, an average of 20 per cent. 

 Addition was slowed 7 per cent. Eye-reactions were longer 

 by 9 per cent. Eye-movements were 7 per cent, slower. In 

 lesser degree the finger reactions, finger movements, and 

 dynamometer strength tests were adversely affected, three, 

 two, and one per cent, respectively. 



Inspection of the curves for the several days shows a pro- 

 gressive adaptation to mask conditions that corroborates 

 personal impression. This adaptation was both general and 

 specific and seems to be of the utmost military importance. 



"Of vastly greater importance than the fractional falling 

 off in efficiency of the various processes was the effect of im- 

 properly made or improperly fitted head gear. Within one 

 hour I had reached a degree of discomfort from an Ill-fitting 

 head gear where In spite of experimental Interest In the task, 

 in spite of patriotic sentiment, and all the scientific pride I 

 could muster, I could stand the punishment no longer and 

 simply took the mask off. The extreme military Importance 

 of such a condition of mind seems clear. A properly con- 

 structed and properly fitted mask can be worn almost indef- 

 initely, after adaptation. 



"It was officially reported that our study and the recom- 



^ This officer of the Sanitary Corps, psychological service, had been ordered to 

 report to Lieutenant Commander Dodge for duty as assistant in the gas-mask inves- 

 tigation. He received his orders too late to be of service. 



