﻿NO. I NATIVES OF KHARGA OASIS HRDLICKA 29 



In relation to stature, the temperature is on the average higher 

 in the " tallest " than it is in the " shortest " Kharga natives. And 

 the temperature goes hand in hand in these groups with both pulse 

 and respiration. The " shortest " males at the Oasis show thus on 

 the average a somewhat less active metabolism, as well as a slower 

 heart and slower respiration. They manifest lesser vitality, which 

 suggests a causal relation between at least some of the low statures 

 at the Oasis and the agencies which condition lowered vitality. 

 The main of these conditions are probably chronic malnutrition, and 

 protracted effects during the developmental stage of life of malaria 

 or other systemic disorders. The tallest Kharga men are, on the 

 average, of a distinctly superior vitality. 



Muscular potency shows similar relation to temperature as age 

 and stature : It is in general perceptibly below the average in those 

 who give low temperature, and both go together with sub-average 

 pulse rate as well as respiration-rate. The individuals of the best 

 muscular vigor show mean temperature, with slightly sub-average 

 pulse, but somewhat above average respiration. A larger series of 

 observations would in these respects be very desirable. 



MUSCULAR STRENGTH 



The tests of muscular strength were those of pressure in each hand 

 and traction. 1 They were made by Mathieu's dynamometer and repre- 

 sent the maximum exertion of the subjects determined in two to 

 four consecutive trials. The hands and arms were in every case 

 held free from the body and cases with crippled or sore fingers, 

 hands or arms were excluded. There was no unwillingness or lack 

 of interest on the part of those examined in making the tests, so that 

 the record obtained may be regarded as fairly representative of the 

 true condition in regard to muscular strength of the Kharga men. 



The results are seen in the following tables. 



1 With the medius of each hand linked into the arch of the instrument at 

 its small end and the arms held not higher than the chin. 



