It looked like an attractive way to pick up a little extra money. The ad was for volunteers for physiological research - either men or women. The fee was for each day's service, in a clinic, and it could be done on a weekend. To a couple in their forties, with college expenses looming, it seemed a good way to acquire a bit of extra cash.
My husband was immediately attracted. "Look, Joanie, all I have to do is go in on a Saturday, let them study me or put me through a few tests, or whatever, and I'll be home in the evening. All under medical supervision, with insurance. It even says there are no drugs or medications involved. What could be easier?"
"If you'd like, then let's try it - we sure can use the money." I was perhaps a bit less enchanted than he was, but the idea seemed harmless enough - at least worth investigating.
Mike did the investigation, and made a few phone calls. Soon, we had an appointment to visit the clinic the following afternoon.
We arrived promptly at 4:30 on the appointed day. The clinic was on the second floor of a professional office building, in what appeared to be a respectable neighborhood. It appeared to occupy a suite of offices, although we saw only the outer office, where a female receptionist greeted us.
"You are responding to our ad?" she inquired, in a friendly manner. "Yes", Mike responded, "Both of us. We thought we would see if you could use either or both of us on a weekend. We both work during the week."
"I see. Many have that situation. You know we do physiological research, that involves testing of subjects, and can involve photography or x-rays. Some preparation may be required, depending upon the aspect of the study. We have a nurse who checks all subjects for medical suitability, and is available if any complications should arise, though none ever have. The preparations will not involve taking drugs or any kind of medication, though it could involve certain types of clothing or appliances, exercise, either fasting or eating certain types of foods or drinks. You would not be asked to consume anything potentially harmful, and of course you can leave at any time; though if you before the study is complete, you would not receive your fee."
"Sounds OK", Mike answered.
"Then, please fill out these forms. After you complete them, the nurse will want to check your height and weight, and some things like blood pressure and pulse, just to be sure you are suitable. Understand we sometimes need specific body types, so everyone is not acceptable for every study."
We went through the application forms, completed them, and were directed to await the nurse's arrival. She showed up after a few minutes, and indicated she would take us, one at a time. I went first. She took me to a room nearby, and asked a few questions. The weighing and other items were done quickly, and she seemed satisfied.
"You seem like a healthy specimen, Mrs. Wentworth. I trust your husband will be the same. Let's see - you weighed in at 155. Would you say that is your normal weight?"
"Well, I know I could stand to lose a few pounds- " I started to answer, a bit embarrassed.
"Oh, no, I am not being critical. We might be able to use you for one of our studies. You're about the size we need for one of our subjects. But now, let's see that husband of yours."
She escorted me out, and then took Mike for the same treatment.
He evidently satisfied her, and he returned a few minutes later. The nurse disappeared, and we were asked to wait a few minutes.
A man in a white jacket appeared a bit later. "Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth?" he greeted us. We acknowledged that he had us correctly named.
"Mr. Wentworth, I hope we can use you later, but just now I don't have any project that would exactly fit your profile. However, we do have a study this Saturday for which we can use Mrs. Wentworth, if she's interested."
I was just a bit surprised, but listened as he explained. "This study requires a female of about your body weight. It will take several hours, starting in midmorning. Part of it may be stressful, and as you will be alone for a time while you prepare, you can bring your husband along for company, or maybe moral support, if you wish. The study will require you to do certain body movements, and undergo some x-ray examinations and physical measurements as the study progresses. Also, you will be expected to drink quite a bit of water - but it will not be anything bad-tasting. Think you can handle it?"
I thought I could do it, and told him so. Then I looked at Mike. "You want to come and be my moral support? He said it might be stressful! Maybe after you see what I do you won't want to offer yourself!"
He returned the smile, and agreed to come with me.
We were told the time to come - 9:30 on a Saturday morning. A few other instructions were given, but one question occurred to me. "Is there any special way I should dress?" I asked.
"As simply as possible. Since you haven't participated in these studies before, Mrs. Wentworth, I suppose I should tell you that for the studies you will need to disrobe, as you might for a medical examination. But, as we are a research organization and not a physician's office, our technicians need to have access to your body to do the studies, and since we are paying you for your services rather than the other way around, we cannot provide the accommodation to your modesty that a regular doctor's office might. To be very blunt, you will not be wearing clothing during the studies. However, no one will see you other than our research staff, and your husband, if he accompanies you. I assume you won't object to him seeing you unclothed?"
I was a bit shaken. However, it didn't seem unreasonable, under these circumstances. After all, I had gone through many medical examinations that required disrobing. Just this time, they wouldn't be giving me a gown or anything to cover myself with. I looked again at Mike. "Well, now, maybe I shouldn't bring you along - " "Wouldn't miss it!" he answered, reassuringly.
"Wait until it's your turn!" I returned.
We returned home, with only a little discussion of the Saturday appointment. I was rather pleased to have Mike go with me, as I would definitely feel better by having his presence; but I was also a bit concerned about having to be without my clothes during the study. We knew this would be several hours, and I had been told that much of the time I would really have little or no activity. I thought about taking a book or something to occupy my mind. I hoped they would at least allow me some privacy when nothing was actively going on, but they seemed unconcerned about that aspect. I decided I could be adaptable - we could use the money; and, anyway, it was far from a public place.
Saturday came, and Mike and I arose early. Our teen-agers had their own activities for the day, and we were not unduly concerned about them. They were assured that both of us would be home by late afternoon - no later than we ordinarily arrived from work on weekdays.
We had a light breakfast, and I pondered what I ought to wear for the day. "Simple" was what I had been told - recalling that I wouldn't be keeping it on long, anyway. I selected a light dress, easy to get on and off, and which I could wear with the front unbuttoned to serve as a sort of dressing gown, should that be possible at any time. I looked through my underwear and picked out a bra and panties that at least had no holes or stains to embarrass me! Then I chose a pair of soft flats for footwear, not requiring any socks or hosiery.
Somewhat nervously, I prepared myself to leave with Mike a bit after nine. Mike dressed casually, and seemed completely at ease. After all, he wasn't going to be the subject of the study.