transaction of the routine of his office as few other practitioners get.

After this brief review of the work which is assigned to the medical officer, it is not surprising to note the high standing which is accorded to him as an officer, and the recognition which is given to him socially, and that his personal accommodations on board ship are as attractive as those of the other officials.

It will also be readily inferred that for such positions of great responsibility men of the highest types are required. To get on smoothly with other officers, a man should have had the advantage of good social training; to win the esteem and hold the respect of representatives of all classes which go to make up the crew of a ship, the medical officer must be a man of integrity and courage; as the representative of his country among the educated men of other lands, he should have a broad general culture; and, moreover, he must be energetic enough to dispatch a great amount of work.

There are some disadvantages with which these men must contend. Their assignments are frequently changed, they are compelled to sever their home ties. Owing to the routine nature of much of their work, they are not likely to develop those rare traits which make of older family physicians the guides, counsellors and friends of the families of their patients.

The requirements for admission to the service are given somewhat in detail, because they comprehend what the best experts consider the physical basis of efficiency.

For appointment in the medical corps of the navy, the candidate must be a citizen of the United States, and between 21 and 30 years of age. He must be a

graduate of a reputable school of medicine. He must apply for permission to appear before the Board of Medical Examiners. The application must be in the handwriting of the applicant, and must be accompanied by the following: letters or certificates from two or more persons of repute, testifying from personal knowledge to his good habits and moral character; a certificate of citizenship; certificates of graduation from colleges and medical schools.

Form of Application.

.191

Sir: I request permission to be examined for an appointment as assistant surgeon in the Medical Reserve Corps, with a view to subsequent examination and appointment in the Medical Corps of the United States Navy.

I was born at.

and was.... · ·

of....

years of age on the.......... day of.

191.., and am a citizen of the United States, residing

in

county of......

and graduated

in.....

the State of....

from....

. Medical School in 191..

I forward herewith certificates of moral character,

habits and citizenship.

Very respectfully,

Chief of the Bureau of Navigation,

Navy Department, Washington, D. C.

Via the Surgeon-General, U. S. Navy.

The physical qualifications of applicants for appointment as officers in the medical corps are decided upon by an examining board consisting of medical officers of

the navy. The physical examination of candidates will precede the mental and professional. No one found physically disqualified will be examined further. No material physical defects will be waived in any case for any reason.

A candidate must declare under oath that he labors under no mental or constitutional disease or weakness, nor under any other imperfection or disability which might interfere with the most efficient discharge of the duties of an officer in any climate.

Table of physical proportions for height, weight and chest measurement:

It is not necessary that the applicant should conform exactly to the figures in the foregoing table, which is given to show what is regarded as a fair standard of physical proportions. A variation not exceeding 15 pounds, not to fall below 132 pounds in weight or 1 inch in the mean chest measurement, below the standard given in the table, is admissible when the candidate for appointment is active, has firm muscles, and is evidently vigorous and healthy. A chest expansion of less than 2 inches is a sufficient cause for the rejection of the applicant.