II. The special objects of physical training vary in their needs for emphasis at different age periods and under the changing stresses of life. Among the more important of these special objects are:
(1) General, normal growth. An object in the early age periods.
(2) Neuro-muscular development, coördination, and control. Accomplished best in early age periods.
(3) Special organic (anatomical and functional) development. Optimum period in childhood and youth.
(4) Social, ethical, and moral training. Character building. Objects more easily secured in childhood and youth.
(5) Preparation for some supreme physical and physiological test; e.g., athletic competition, police or fire service, military service. Most desirable training period in late youth and early maturity. Must depend, however, on the effects of earlier physical training.
(6) The formation of health habits. Best accomplished in early life but commonly an important function of the College Department of Physical Training.
(7) The conservation of health. Always an object, but more particularly so in the middle and later life.
THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION
In the American college of today, the student's first contact with the Department of Physical Training is very likely to be in the examining room. In the College of the City of New York[[12]] it has become the established custom to require a satisfactory health examination before admitting the applicant to registration as a student in the college. Entering classes are enrolled in this institution at the beginning of each term, and in each list of applicants there are always a few to whom admission is denied because of unsatisfactory health conditions.