Alexis Coe’s past essays on history for The Toast can be found here. This, and all subsequent editions of Alexis’ columnn (!) are brought to you courtesy of a sweet and generous sponsor who wishes to be known as The Ghost of Jane Addams. How carefully did the Army surgeons in St. Louis, Missouri assess new recruits? The examination of William Cathay on November 15, 1866, suggests it was superficial, at best. If…