ANTHROPOMETRY 147 



those more civilized; but there is everywhere an opportunity for much 

 further endeavor. 



If an opportunity to make casts is limited, choose only adults of 

 middle age; otherwise extend the work to all age groups. Very 

 interesting series also are afforded by whole families. 



Casts are made from plaster of paris. Efficiency in making casts is 

 best acquired under an instructor. The process of making a facial cast, 

 given here for those who may have a chance to practice it, is as follows : 



Have the subject seated comfortably on a chair. See that the face 

 preserves its most natural expression, the eyes being open, and warn 

 the subject against moving, swallowing, coughing, sneezing or spitting. 

 The features and lips should not be tight or puckered or the mouth 

 distorted; endeavor to have the subject think of something peaceful, 

 agreeable. Fasten a wide, ample piece of cloth on the neck of the 

 subject; it should be long enough to cover his feet to prevent soiling 

 by plaster. Brush hair backward without pulling the skin and fasten 

 by moderately tightly applied band about 2| inches broad, leaving but 

 little hair exposed over the forehead and temples. Work into this 

 exposed hair, and also into the eyebrows mustache and beard, enough 

 soap paste to prevent inclusion into plaster. Use commercial green 

 soap, or boil ordinary soap with water until the liquid thickens. 

 Introduce a little cotton into each ear. Oil lightly with camel hair 

 brush whole face and neck using light paraffin oil or any other non- 

 viscid oil; also oil the hair band. Care must be exercised that no 

 excess of the oil is left anywhere and that nothing enters the eye. 

 This finishes the preparation. No nasal tubes. 



The next step consists in mixing the plaster. Only the best dental 

 or alabaster plaster should be used. Fill small basin with luke- 

 warm or at least not too cold water, and add a pinch of common salt 

 for quicker setting (if needed). Sift plaster on top of water by hand, 

 without mixing, until moment when plaster stops sinking — the exact 

 stage is learned from practice. Mix then without churning, with 

 common spoon gather surface bubbles and dirt, and the liquid of 

 cream consistency is ready for use. 



The first layers of plaster are applied to the forehead, about the eyes 

 and over the upper part of the face with the help of a little spoon 

 or a spatula. The excess of the plaster flows down over the face and 

 on to the apron, or the plaster basin which is held underneath. 



The upper part of the face being covered, advance to ears and lower 

 part of face. Fill one ear only, but carry plaster around far enough 



