66 ' ALES HRDLICKA 



MEASUREMENTS OF THE BODY 



The directions to be given will for the most part strictly follow those 

 of the International Agreements, as far as these go; but for the benefit 

 of the student there will be a number of explanatory changes in the 

 wording, and also a number of additions, all of which will be plainly 

 indicated. 



Stature — The stature is to be measured on the anthropometric 

 plane of Broca, or an equivalent strip or tape (see under Instru- 

 ments), with a square. The subject stands erect, on level surface, 

 with heels together, and with these, the buttocks and the shoulders 

 applied to the vertical (wall, rod, tree, etc.) on which is fastened 

 the anthropometric plane, while the head is held so that the visual 

 as well as the biauricular axis are horizontal. The occiput will fre- 

 quently touch the vertical in this position, but it is not obligatory 

 that it should do so. The arms hang in natural position. The height 

 of the vertex is ascertained by means of the square. Observer stands 

 slightly to the left of the subject, manipulates the square by hold- 

 ing it lightly in the left hand, and reads the measurement on the right 

 margin of the plane. The square is applied to the head horizontally 

 twice or three times in succession, to facilitate correct reading, and 

 with sufficient impact to feel the skull resistance. Care must be exer- 

 cised not to make an error in the reading. 



The method as given here differs slightly from the Geneva agree- 

 ment in that it provides, through the application of the heels, buttocks, 

 and shoulders to the vertical, of a strictly standardized posture which 

 will also serve for other measurements. There is no appreciable dif- 

 ference in the measurement by the two methods if taken with suflScient 

 care; but the modification here given assures a greater uniformity of 

 results as well as a greater ease of procedure. It is moreover strictly 

 speaking the method of Broca'; and it is the method of the Geneva 

 International Agreement for sitting height (q. v.). It would be in- 

 congruous to take the total height in one standard position and the 

 sitting height in another. 



Should the development of the buttocks interfere, as may occa- 

 sionally happen in women, the subject is not forced against the vertical, 

 but allowed to stand slightly in front of the same. 



2. Height to the Supra-sternal Notch. — Instruments: A level and a 



plumb, or the anthropometer. The level has already been described 



' Instructions, etc., 119. " Le vertex est le point culminant de la tete, lorsque le 

 Bujet debout et adoss6 au mur regarde droit devant lui. La hauteiu- du vertex n'est 

 autre chose que la taUle du sujet. On la mesure en faisant descendre la grande 

 ^querre sur sa tete." 



