TOTAL STRENGTH
| October | April | |
|---|---|---|
| Henderson | 2970 | 4598 |
| Oakman | 3445 | 5055 |
| Morris | 2543 | 4869 |
| Zooman | 3070 | 5457 |
| Coffman | 2835 | 6269 |
| Steltz | 2838 | 4581 |
| Loewenthal | 2463 | 5277 |
| Sliney | 3245 | 5307 |
| Fritz | 2504 | 5178 |
| Cohn | 2210 | 4002 |
| Broyles | 2560 | 5530 |
Here we see gains in strength of 100 per cent in some cases, while Coffman shows an improvement so marked as to be almost marvellous. While there can be no question that a certain amount of this gain is to be attributed to the practice incidental to these months of work in the Gymnasium, it is equally clear that a large part of the gain is due to the improved physical condition of the men’s bodies, for which the change in diet must be considered as responsible. In any event, the change from the ordinary diet to a diet comparatively poor in proteid has not resulted in any physical deterioration. On the contrary, there is every indication of a marked improvement in physical condition. In this connection the following note from Dr. DeWitt, commanding the detachment, is of interest:
332 Temple Street, New Haven, Conn.,
March 30, 1904.
Professor Russell H. Chittenden,
Director Sheffield Scientific School,
New Haven, Conn.
Sir,—In compliance with your verbal request I have the honor to inform you that at this date the men of this detachment are all in good physical condition.
Very respectfully,
(Signed) Wallace Dewitt,
1st Lieut. and Asst. Surgeon U. S. Army,
Commdg. Det. H. C.
Finally, attention may be called to the photographs of the men, taken just prior to the close of the experiment, from which may be gained some idea of their physical condition so far as it can be judged by external appearance. Certainly, there is no indication in these photographs of any lack of bodily vigor. On the contrary, there is good muscular development, without any undue amount of fat, and indeed every indication of a good bodily condition, coupled with that appearance of quickness and alertness that belongs to the well-developed man, in a state of physiological balance. The photographs scattered through this section of the book, showing the soldiers at work in the gymnasium, likewise give some idea of the lighter forms of exercise they followed each day in the training of bodily movements.
What now is to be said regarding the nervous condition of the men; i. e., their ability to respond to stimulation or, in other words, their mental quickness or reaction time? To study this question, the soldiers were sent with regularity to the Yale Psychological Laboratory, where their reaction time was studied with great care. The results of this investigation are contained in the following report made by Dr. Charles H. Judd, in charge of the Yale Psychological Laboratory.