A HUNDRED YEARS AGO
Tans volume is a mine of statistics and advice for the young military surgeon, who has to examine recruits previous to their admission into the Army ; to certify that they are incompetent from ill-health to perform their duties, and should therefore be discharged; or to decide upon their claim for a pension. Under the first head, it is the comfort and credit of the surgeon himself which are chiefly concerned—for we suppose, as regards the country, the examination has a tendency on the average to adapt itself to the supply and demand; the standard of physical perfection being high in peace and low enough in war. As regards himself, however, the case is different. If he is over- curious in rejecting recruits, he becomes unpopular with there- cruiting-parties, who lose zs. 6d. to 3s. on each man rejected; if he passes unfit men, the regimental officers, who get them, are dissatisfied with the sickness or inefficiency of the new comer; and in strong cases the Horse Guards publicly censure him, and perhaps condemn him to pay the expenses incurred in the inlistment of the man.
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