Having thus narrowed the field of operation, trace from spine to periphery every nerve tender enough to be traced, noting the relation of the tender nerves to the subluxations already found by palpation. Whenever it is possible note the _degree_ of tenderness of the various nerves and keep in mind through the remainder of the examination the fact that greater tenderness in some one segment indicated either greater or more acute disease in that segment. It is best to use great caution about entirely eliminating any segment from consideration because of negative findings in attempted nerve tracing. The fact that no nerve is traceable is not always proof that no impingement exists, but only that no _irritation_ exists. Only light or acute impingement may irritate a nerve. In forty, and possibly fifty, per cent of all cases no nerves are traceable at any time. (See Nerve-Tracing.) Special Examination The examiner has by this time formed some concept of the case in hand. He has a clue to the possible nature of the disease and he has narrowed his observation to a few segments of the body or a few organs which demand a more special examination. This may be accomplished by Inspection, Palpation, Auscultation, and Percussion. History of Case Having determined by these methods every fact possible of determination without information from the patient, it becomes necessary to go somewhat into the history of the case. The history of falls, jars, shocks, or injuries of any kind should be taken first and these should be viewed in the light of their bearing upon the previously ascertained condition of the spine. Sometimes the definite history of an accident immediately preceding the development of disease symptoms suggests its connection with the disease and the exact nature of the accident points out to us some one of the several recorded subluxations as the one involved. This in turn may aid a doubtful differential diagnosis. Each step in the process of examination helps to explain and clarify the facts elicited by other steps until the facts marshal themselves into a complete and comprehensible picture. At this point it will be possible to stop in some cases and rest upon the evidence gathered. If you are able at this time to state clearly the nature of the case, the manner of its cause, the site of disease and of the subluxations causing it, the kind of subluxations, and the chance of recovery under adjustment, it is preferable to do so. You will thus have made a complete diagnosis without recourse to information from the patient except the history of injuries. Sometimes, however, it will be necessary to go further into the case and ascertain the presence and nature of subjective symptoms. If this be necessary, the examiner should confine his questions to the parts indicated as diseased, and thus limit the number of questions and make them all direct and essential. It is important to avoid trivial or irrelevant questioning. Summary