PREFACE. DOCTOR THOMAS HENDERSON, the author of this manual, was born in Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia, on the 6th January, 1789. After completing his professional studies in Philadelphia, he commenced the practice of his profession in Warrenton, Virginia. In 1816 he moved to Georgetown, and thence to Washington City in 1826, where for many years he was the Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine, in Columbian College. In 1833 he entered the army as Assistant Surgeon, and for upwards of twenty years he faithfully discharged his duties as a medical officer. His death occurred on the 11th of August, 1854, in the 65th year of his age. The favor with which the first edition of this work was received, induced Dr. Henderson to occupy a portion of the leisure moments of his declining years in the preparation of the present improved and enlarged edition, which, having been revised subsequent to his decease, so as to conform to the regulations now in force for the recruiting service, is published in accordance with the known wish of the author, and in the hope that it may guide and assist the recruiting officer and examining surgeon in the performance of their important and responsible duties. WASHINGTON, D. C., April, 1856. R. H. C. |