THE PRESIDENT'S REPORT TO THE BOARD

OF TRUSTEES.

The law of the State requires the Trustees of Purdue University to submit a biennial report concerning the operations of Purdue University, and that report is due during the fall next preceding the biennial session of the Legislature.

The act of Congress under which Purdue University was established requires an annual report. The report here pre

sented is in accordance with this act of Congress.

ATTENDANCE FOR THE YEAR 1898-99.

The whole number of students in attendance during the year ending June 30, 1899, was 749, classified as follows:

The following table will show the growth of the institution in respect to attendance since its organization, the respective figures being for the year ending June 30, of the years named:

Names of counties represented by one or more students:

STATES AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES REPRESENTED.

The states and countries represented in the institution during the present year are as follows:

REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL TRAINING.

LAFAYETTE, IND., December 26, 1899.

To the President of Purdue University:

Sir-At your request, I submit herewith a condensation of the three reports rendered by me since I took charge of the Department of Physical Training of Purdue University.

REPORT OF 1896-97.

Upon my assuming charge of the gymnastic work at Purdue, it was found that during the previous year the football coach had conducted classes in the gymnasium two evenings per week for the men and two afternoons per week for the girls. It was thought best to continue this arrangement until the development of the work warranted a change. No records of any kind were left by the former Director.

The regular classes in the gymnasium began October 13th. The men's class met from 8 to 9 p. m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; the girls' class from 4:30 to 6 p. m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. With voluntary attendance, there was an average attendance during this term of forty in the men's class and twenty-six in the girls' class. After Christmas forty-seven new members entered the men's class and ten new members entered the girl's class.

Upon entering the class, all the men receive a thorough physical examination and a prescription of exercises especially adapted to their individual needs. The measurements are those recommended by the American Association for the Advancement of Physical Education.

In the examination room a record of all deformities and abnormal conditions is kept. The majority of the men were in a fairly healthy condition, although a great deal of stomach trouble was found. This was largely due to unhygienic cooking at home, overeating, and lack of sufficient exercise.

Twelve cases of lateral curvature of the spine were found. Ten of these were due to the fact that one leg was shorter than the other. This difference in length of legs varied from three (3) to fifteen (15) millimeters. One man, Mr. A., aged twenty-four, came to me with a history of lame back and general malnutrition extending over several years. Upon the advice of his physician, he had been wearing a specially prepared plaster for three months, the plaster being removed every month at an expense of three dollars. Upon examination his development was found to be poor and his general health only fair. Further examination revealed the fact that his left leg was 16mm. (3-in.) shorter than the right. This resulted in a tipping of the pelvis toward the low side, and in its effort to maintain an equilibrium the spinal column had developed a compound scoliosis (lateral curvature). This defect was remedied by building up the heel of his left shoe, inserting an insole and taking off part of the heel of the right shoe until the pelvis was level. His condition at once improved, and after the first two weeks of the new arrangement his backache disappeared and he reported a general improvement both physically and in spirits. He left school before a second measurement was taken.

Another interesting case is that of Mr. B., aged twenty. Upon entering the class, he reported that he had lost one to three hours' college work per week from sick-headache. His development was poor, as was also his general health. Examination showed that he had what is sometimes called "creased chest." The sixth, seventh and eighth ribs, on the right side directly over the liver, were so depressed as to be almost imbedded in it. This being the case, the immediate cause of his sick-headache was not far to seek. Special exercises were given to raise that part of the chest, and after a few weeks' work his headaches left him, and he has not lost a day through sickness since he began the work. At the end of the season he had gained seven pounds in weight, fifty millimeters (2 in.) in girth of chest, and fourteen cubic inches in lung capacity. His instructors say his standing has been raised one full grade since the

first term.

Another case is that of Mr. C., aged twenty-two. He had worked in the coal mines in England. His history was one of overwork when a boy, poor digestion, poor co-ordination and extreme nervousness. He was so nervous that when called on to recite he would