242 HENRY H. DONALDSON 



OX THE WEIGHT OF THE FRESH SKELETON AND OF ITS PARTS ON 



BODY WEIGHT 



In table 1 are given the absolute and relative fresh weights, 

 as observed, for the entire skeleton and its two main divisions— 

 the axial and appendicular skeleton (see Appendix 1 for the 

 grouping of the bones). In charts 1 and 2 the absolute and the 

 relative values, respectively, are plotted, the mean values being 

 indicated by smooth graphs. 



In table 1 it is the observed values which are given, while in 

 charts 1 and 2 smoothed graphs have been so drawn that only 

 those observed values which lie above or below the respective 

 graphs are evident on the charts. Reading the values shown by 

 the smoothed graphs, we obtain the data entered in table 2. 



As stated earlier, the object in view is to present the data in 

 such shape that new observations may be compared with them, 

 and also to give some idea of the variability which is to be ex- 

 pected. After considering the several ways in which these ends 

 might be attained, the following plan was adopted as the most 

 satisfactory and usable. 



All the tables appearing in this paper were first made on the 

 basis of the observed values, either according to. body weight, as 

 in table 1, or according to body length or some other standard. 

 The data were then charted, and on the chart a smooth graph 

 was drawn free hand. The values given by this smoothed graph 

 were then read at fixed intervals and tabulated, and these in 

 turn appear, as in table 2, and in all the later tables of the same 

 type. 



In favor of this procedure are the facts that such a table, 

 based on the smooth graph, is useful as a standard for reference, 

 while the corresponding chart shows by means of the graphs the 

 general character of the growth change, and by means of the 

 entries which lie on either side of the graph, the variability of 

 the records. The nature of the data hardly justifies an attempt 

 at greater precision than this. Values between those given in 

 the tables may, in all cases, be obtained by interpolation. 



All the principal tables which follow are arranged on the fore- 

 going plan, beginning with table 2, which gives the data of table 

 1 in this revised form. 



