Anthropometry and Physical Examination: A Book for Practical Use in Connection With Gymnastic Work and Physical Education (Classic Reprint)

The purpose of this book in its first edition was to place in the hands of directors of gymnasia, who were expected to examine people and prescribe exercise for them, a manual that should be a constant guide in securing measurements, and an efficient help in pointing out the vital matters that should be considered in making a physical diagnosis, or an estimate of the organic condition of the various parts of the body and their habit of action. The purpose of the present book is the same as that of the former editions. The failures of the last have been partly eliminated and the methods of measuring more carefully discussed and illustrated, as well as the tabulation and comparison of material. The instruments for securing more exact data, especially in new lines of research, have been given more attention, as it is believed that the most valuable anthropometric work of the future will be done without attributing so much value to space relation or size. The important question will be, what can the human machine do? and not, How large are its various parts? I have been more and more deeply impressed with the value of the percentile method for the analytical study of human measurements and I have tried to give a clear conception of the processes by which a percentile table is computed, so that the student may have a full appreciation of the significance of the table and its various grades. To the investigators in this new field of study, who have already added much to our knowledge of the working power of the human body, I am especially indebted for much new and valuable material. I wish also to acknowledge the many courtesies that I have received from other authorities who have permitted the use of material for which credit is given in the text. New Haven, Conn., June, About the Publisher Forgotten Books is a publisher of