The descriptive part of the course covers the processes of manufacture of powders, guns, projectiles and armor; and describes the small arms, cannon, machine and rapid-fire guns in use in the United States service, with the carriages, ammunition and accessory appliances required for their service. The department is well supplied with models, which are used in conjunction with the text.
The practical part of the course covers work with ballistic instruments, and the operation of machines and appliances used in the fabrication of modern ordnance, the latter work being in effect a short but valuable course in manual training.
In connection with the course, visits are made to Watervliet Arsenal, where the processes of gun construction are observed, and to the Ordnance Proving Ground at Sandy Hook, where actual firings from the several classes of guns are observed, including usually one or more shots against armor, and where the latest developments in war material are seen.
Ordnance and Gunnery. Lissak. Exterior Ballistics. O’Hern. Stresses in Wire-Wrapped Guns and in Gun Carriages. Ruggles.
Ballistic Tables. Ingalls. Mathematical Tables. Newcomb. Publications of Ordnance Department. U. S. Army.
The course in military hygiene for the second class begins on or about the 15th of April and continues into June. It consists of 6 lectures and 13 recitations for each half of the class, given on alternate days and ending by a written examination on the subjects treated.
The course covers the essential points in military hygiene, particular attention being paid to the following:
Personal hygiene with special reference to the soldier and his environment: the hygiene and sanitation of military commands in garrison and in the field; and the causes and prevention of infectious diseases and control of epidemics. Also the nature of alcoholic drinks and narcotics, and special instruction as to their effects upon the human system.
During the summer camp, 5 lectures with exercises are given to the first class on the use of the first aid packet and the treatment of medical and surgical emergencies. While on the practice march, at the end of each day, the medical officer on duty with the corps discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the camp site from the view point of the military sanitarian and also camp cooking, the water supply, and various other matters pertaining to camp hygiene and sanitation.