Academt of Sciences] 

 No. 3] 



MEASUREMENTS 



81 





The two chest measurements are exceedingly close in the two series of the academicians. 

 Both, as well as the index, have a large distribution. The data disclose a number of interesting 

 conditions. The variability in all the series is most marked in chest depth. A certain amount 

 of compensation exists evidently between the less usual chest depths and the breadth. 



A condition that calls for attention is the fact that the chest of the academicians in both its 

 diameters, but especially in depth, is significantly larger than it is in the cultured old Americans 

 at large ; and the distinction persists when the chest measurements are taken in relation to stature. 

 One of the consequences of this is that the chest index in the members is nearly four points 

 higher than that in the outsiders. A roomier and especially deeper, chest, both absolutely and 

 relatively to body height, cannot but be regarded as an advantageous condition. At the level at 

 which the chest measurements are taken and with the close application of the branches of the 

 instrument to the bony parts of the thorax, the slightly greater adiposity of the members as com- 

 pared with the outsiders does not influence the measurements to any material extent. The 

 causes of the larger chest in the academicians must be looked for in those agencies that, during 

 their earlier life especially, demanded a greater lung and heart capacity; and these could only 

 have been prolonged physical exertions and exercises. The members of the Academy show in 

 general, therefore, evidences not only of a greater than average mental, but also advantageous 

 physical, activity in their lives. 



