ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Partly printed document signed ("Franklin D. Roosevelt"), a Special Report of Medical Examiner, 3 October 1930. 2 pages, folio, two punch holes along top edge . "PROSPECT OF HIS BEING ABLE TO WALK WITHOUT BRACES--GOOD--PERHAPS IN YEAR OR TWO" An insurance company's medical evaluation, signed by Roosevelt, recording his responses to questions about his health. A New York Life "medical examiner," Dr. G. F. S. Whitney, came to Roosevelt's home to evaluate the Governor's fitness. Roosevelt's personal physician, Dr. Beckwith, was also present. Whitney found the "proposed insured" to be a 48-year old white male, six-feet, one-inches tall, 182 pounds, his figure "erect." His "well-developed" chest measured 43½ inches "on full inspiration," and 38 inches "on forced expiration." His blood pressure was a hearty 128 over 80, his pulse 72. In all respects he found his subject a fit, vibrant, and healthy physical specimen, with one glaring exception: "atrophy of legs from arit-polyomyelitis." Roosevelt's whole disastrous yet inspiring struggle with this illness is summarized with clinical brevity and detachment: "Arit-poliomyelitis. Aug. 1921. Acute symptoms 2 mos. Spring 1922, started walking with braces. Definite steady muscle gain--none in past 2 yrs. See Dr. Beckwith's memo [not included here]." Then a series of printed questions with Whitney recording Roosevelt's answers. Q: "Is there any evidence of former injury or illness? (If so, state what)?" A: "Yes. Atrophy of leg muscles." Q: "Has a change in your residence or occupation on account of your health ever been made or advised?" A: "Yes, to Warm Springs, Ga." Q: "Do you ever take wine, spirituous or malt liquors?" A: "Occasional glass only" Q: "If an abstainer, for how long a period?" A: "Always temperate." In his concluding remarks Dr. Whitney shows evidence of Roosevelt's infectious optimism: "Can contract muscles of quad. extensors & in calves of legs. Prospect of his being able to walk without braces--good--perhaps in year or two." But then the money question, and a posterior-covering hedge: Q: "Do you unqualifiedly recommend the applicant for insurance?" A: "Yes, except as to atrophy of muscles." Q: "Do you class him as UNDER AVERAGE, AVERAGE, OR OVER AVERAGE?" A: "Under average." In that respect that Dr's diagnosis could not have been more wrong.
ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Partly printed document signed ("Franklin D. Roosevelt"), a Special Report of Medical Examiner, 3 October 1930. 2 pages, folio, two punch holes along top edge . "PROSPECT OF HIS BEING ABLE TO WALK WITHOUT BRACES--GOOD--PERHAPS IN YEAR OR TWO" An insurance company's medical evaluation, signed by Roosevelt, recording his responses to questions about his health. A New York Life "medical examiner," Dr. G. F. S. Whitney, came to Roosevelt's home to evaluate the Governor's fitness. Roosevelt's personal physician, Dr. Beckwith, was also present. Whitney found the "proposed insured" to be a 48-year old white male, six-feet, one-inches tall, 182 pounds, his figure "erect." His "well-developed" chest measured 43½ inches "on full inspiration," and 38 inches "on forced expiration." His blood pressure was a hearty 128 over 80, his pulse 72. In all respects he found his subject a fit, vibrant, and healthy physical specimen, with one glaring exception: "atrophy of legs from arit-polyomyelitis." Roosevelt's whole disastrous yet inspiring struggle with this illness is summarized with clinical brevity and detachment: "Arit-poliomyelitis. Aug. 1921. Acute symptoms 2 mos. Spring 1922, started walking with braces. Definite steady muscle gain--none in past 2 yrs. See Dr. Beckwith's memo [not included here]." Then a series of printed questions with Whitney recording Roosevelt's answers. Q: "Is there any evidence of former injury or illness? (If so, state what)?" A: "Yes. Atrophy of leg muscles." Q: "Has a change in your residence or occupation on account of your health ever been made or advised?" A: "Yes, to Warm Springs, Ga." Q: "Do you ever take wine, spirituous or malt liquors?" A: "Occasional glass only" Q: "If an abstainer, for how long a period?" A: "Always temperate." In his concluding remarks Dr. Whitney shows evidence of Roosevelt's infectious optimism: "Can contract muscles of quad. extensors & in calves of legs. Prospect of his being able to walk without braces--good--perhaps in year or two." But then the money question, and a posterior-covering hedge: Q: "Do you unqualifiedly recommend the applicant for insurance?" A: "Yes, except as to atrophy of muscles." Q: "Do you class him as UNDER AVERAGE, AVERAGE, OR OVER AVERAGE?" A: "Under average." In that respect that Dr's diagnosis could not have been more wrong.
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