The figures showing the total strength of the men in October, 1903, on their ordinary diet, and on the second day of April, 1904, when the experiment was nearing completion are certainly very impressive.
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.