Dr. F. Lyman Wells suggested to one of us the possibility of using clerical tests as a measure of the individual's condition and general efficiency in the present research. He had developed but had not described a test blank for this purpose (see fig. 56), and very kindly supplied us with blanks for the first three experimental sessions.1 This gave us time to have several forms of this blank made up for use in the experiment. A zinc cut was made for the general form including the instructions for each of the six tasks with the lettered and numbered squares in the lower left-hand corner (see fig. 56). Six mortises were made in this cut. The copy was set up on linotype slugs which were made of suitable lengths for the various openings in the zinc plate. The type used was 12 point Antique for numbers, and 10 point Old Style for letters and words.' Enough copy was made for each kind of material to permit the printing of 6 different blanks. Most of the copy was taken from Dr. Wells's blanks. The blanks which were made up from the zinc cuts had to be prepared by hand in certain particulars. In task No. 1 the amount to be added to each of the numbers had to be written in and the illustration filled in. In task No. 6 the small letters other than x had to be filled in the squares by hand. A form with openings at the different squares insured accuracy in doing this and made it a very simple matter to prepare a set of blanks ready for use. The six different blanks were numbered in a secret way so that the subject had no satisfactory means of remembering or designating them. The same blank was not used successively with the same squad. On the back of the blank was a suitable space for name and date, and here were printed also some general directions. These directions were the same with all blanks and were mainly serviceable only the first time the subject took the test. The total amount of time which the subject required to complete all the clerical tasks was taken by the assistant. The six tasks were to be performed in the order as numbered, and as quickly and accurately as possible. The time required was usually less than 15 minutes. If the tasks were correctly performed, a total score of 100 points could be made.

Fig. 56. - "Wells Clerical Test C".

A form of blank arranged by Dr. F. Lyman Wells for testing clerical efficiency. The test was entirely ready for serious application at the time of Dr. Wells's entrance into Government service. He has not had an opportunity to describe it, but kindly granted us its use in the present research.

In a later chapter the data will be given for the preceding 17 neuromuscular and psychological measurements. No tests were tried and discontinued.