Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 86.djvu/332

328

The above statement shows the percentages that the various impairments are of the whole number of employees examined. Many employees, of course, show several combined impairments. Average age 30.

The first group is composed of individuals who apply voluntarily for this service. It has been assumed that many of these people had at least a subconsciousness of impairment. Nevertheless, 93 per cent, of those found impaired were, according to their statements, unaware of any impairment.

Although the second group were not compulsorily examined, a practically unanimous consent to the examination removed any element of self-selection, and the group may be regarded as fairly representative of the average condition obtaining among the employees of such business institutions in large cities.

In studying these figures, it should be borne in mind that the particular purpose back of this system of examining is to secure a complete picture of the individual, and thus all impairments or imperfections found have been carefully recorded without regard to the present state of knowledge as to their significance. Examination for life insurance, for tuberculosis, for eligibility for employment, for ascertaining the influence of particular occupations or hazards, etc., and other physical examination for special purposes might produce a different record. In the institute's work, however, information is sought for the sole purpose of assisting the individual to raise himself to a higher standard of health and efficiency; hence, any departure from the normal is