THE TABLES: EXPLANATORY 7 



as 3 per cent, greater than those taken by the correct 

 procedure. 



Circumference of the Chest. The circumference 

 of the chest should be measured by a tape measure 

 in direct contact with the skin (or, if necessary, placed 

 over a very thin garment). The measurement is taken at 

 the nipple-level in males, that is to say at the level of the 

 fourth intercostal space in the nipple line ; in the case of 

 females the measure is taken at the same level, just under 

 the breasts. If the measurement in the case of females 

 is taken at the same level over the breasts, it is found to be 

 on the average 4J per cent, greater than if taken below 

 the breasts. It is therefore necessary to subtract 4J 

 per cent, from the chest-measurement taken in this way, 

 or, as an alternative method, multiply the observed 

 measurement by 0-957, before looking up the corre- 

 sponding weight in the Tables. 



EXAMPLE 



Measurement over the breasts = 76.3 cm. 

 76-3 cm. x 0-957 = 73-0 cm. (corrected circumference of chest). 



From Table VIII. 

 73-0 cm. = 53-79 kilos. 



While being measured the subject should stand up 

 with the arms hanging loosely at the sides, and should be 

 encouraged to talk ; in this way quiet natural breathing 

 is secured, and expansion of the chest beyond the resting 

 position is prevented. The measurement required is that 

 of the normally breathing, not expanded chest. 



The Vital Capacity. The term " vital capacity " 

 is used to indicate the maximum amount of air an in- 

 dividual is able to expel from the lungs by voluntary 

 effort, after taking the deepest possible inspiration. In 

 measuring the vital capacity it is essential to use an 



