Physical Fitness
The military employed modern punch-card technology, first used by the government for the 1890 census, to tabulate and analyze data on the physical characteristics and medical “defects” found in the military-age population. The results suggested that one-fourth to one-third of the American male population was physically or mentally unfit for military service. The military analyzed health by race, ethnicity, region, and occupational group.
Recruiting scale, around 1900
Initially the military rejected men weighing less than 118 pounds. Chronic debilitating diseases such as tuberculosis and hookworm, as well as the smaller stature of immigrant populations, contributed to regional differences in weight.
Card-punch machine, patented 1901
The U.S. Army hired women to operate the card-punch machines in the Medical Records Section. A good punch operator could complete about 1,500 cards per day.
Gift of the Estate of Herman Hollerith Jr.