42 ALE§ HRDLI^KA 



which will not tire him either mentally or physically and the precision 

 of which will be a source of constant gratification. 



VI 



Selection of Subjects. — In the study of any human group the value 

 of the data — all other things being equal — will be directly propor- 

 tionate to the purity of the group. With this point in view the first 

 steps of the observer will be directed towards a proper selection. 

 Selection by sex, age, homogeneity, pathological conditions, and 

 occasionally also according to occupation, social status, and environ- 

 mental distinctions. 



As an invariable rule, each sex is to be recorded on separate blanks, 

 and in the case of children and adolescents the same is also true of 

 each age group. 



Subjects. — In work among the living, and particularly in field work 

 among primitive tribes, one of the main concerns of the student is to 

 obtain a suflBcient number of good subjects. In order to do so he 

 generally must have some help. Conditions will differ in this respect 

 according to the group studied. In the case of schools, institutions, 

 and recruiting stations, matters may be easily arranged. But when 

 groups or tribes where submission to measurements can only be volun- 

 tary, are to be studied, the investigator must secure assistance. 

 Among our own people much can be done by the observer making 

 known as widely as possible the objects of his work and his needs; 

 by interesting helpful friends in the work; and by engaging one or 

 more active individuals who will assLst him for a compensation. 

 Among primitive tribes the best policy is, in the first place, to bring 

 influential introductions; in the second place, to acquaint the chiefs 

 and elders honestly and plainly with the objects of the work as far 

 as they may comprehend; and by engaging, for a compensation, the 

 best available men and women of the tribe to bring subjects. The 

 compensation is best arranged at so much per subject, and as a rule 

 it is also advisable to make a regular small payment to each subject. 

 In explaining the objects of anthropometric work to primitive men 

 and women it is best to dwell on the medical side of the examination, 

 i.e., the desire to ascertain the state of health and strength in the tribe 

 with the diseases and causes of death, matters which they readily 

 understand and appreciate. It is hardly necessary to add that the 

 success of the student in anthropometry, with civilized as well as with 

 primitive peoples, will depend in the main on his address and general 



