The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-01-24

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The growth curve obtained by Ouetelet for
men in Belgium is shown in figure No l.
The average stature in Belgium is almost ex-
aotly the same as in England, the estimates
given BY vi. Qnatrefagcs for the two countries
being respectively feet, 6-38 inches, and
feet, G-i2 inches or only differing by 1-125th Of
an inch. The az erago Height in America
would probably be measnrably greater But
VIC need pay little attention to this point,
since oar present Consideration is rather with
the method Of progression by which the full
height is obtained, than with tho absolute
height whether at any given age or in adult
life. 1t may probably be taken for granted
that III relative rate of growth at different ages
there is nomarked difference between different
rtccs. So tAat QUctelet's object if satsfacto
rly obtained for tie growth Of Belgians would
be satisfactorily obtained for the human lace.
IL viii be understood of course, that the
curve obtained by Queltelet is moi true for the
growth OF any individual person. by the
merest accident some one person might have
developed in height precisely in accordance
with this curve; but it could be only an acct
dent; Even as an accident it would be
almost as wonderful as though picture
intended to represent the typical features of
q race should be found to be am exact por-
traituro OF an individual member of that race
What Quctclet did was to obtain as many
records he could Of the heights of Belgian
children, both boys and girls, and then, after
making a certain proportionate addition for the
girls, he took the average for each age, Just as
the average IS obtained by statisticians, such
rs Quatrefages for adults He seldom had OPP
portunitios of tracing the progressive growth
of one and the same person from infancy to
adult ltfe,and single case OF this kind is more
instructive than many examples in which the
heights for different ages are obtained by av-
oraging tho observed heights for different in
dividuals.
Not only Ia the growth Of no individual alb
solutely or oven approximately uniform, but
probably the averaged curve for great mum
Der of persons would be found TO present no
such rapidity as is seen in Queteiet's curve
My own observation and inquiries (for in such
record one must depend q good deal on what
may be learned from others) tend to show that
the following relations hold and must be
taken into account II considering NJ Quetelet's
results
!, Every person has a special curve Of
growth, not exactly agreeing either in absolute
scale or i'll shape with that of any one else.
2. The mean curve deduced from the curves
OF sufficient number of individual persons
indicated by Quetelet, the conveXity of which
is upward throughout, but to show an iniiexion
resulting from retardation of growth between
nino and thirteen (the precise age yarying),
followed by a short period OF growth moro
rapid than at any time after the first four
years
3. The curve of Growth for boys differs in
Characteristic way from the curve of growth for
girls. Both show the infloNion lust noticed
but II occurs on the average about two years
earlier with girls than with boys. This does
not, however, cause the intleNiOa mentioned 10
disappear when both sexes are considered to-
gothcr II only affects the position Of the in
heNion.
With regard TO the first OF these three rela-
{ ous, I may remark that | believe every one
who puts the matter to the test in his own
famly, or bv inviting his friends to obtain
records uf the heights of their growing chill
Grcn, will find the law fulfilled 1t is surplis-
ing how characteristic the growth curve for
each indy idual is, when il is fully indicated in
all It's details. One would not at first he dis
posed To believe that SO many varieties of
curves could exist where tho limits of varia-
tou--in shape rs distinguished from scale--are
SO slight. The upper extremity OF the curve
in figure ] being fixed 10y the condition that all
CurVcs arc to he brought to the same scale in
that respect and the lower extremity then
NarVing only within very narrow limits il
would be supposed that though the interlne-
GAte warts OF the curve may present differ
ences these could readily he divided into n few
classes ur types ut in rcohty the number of
such seems 20 bc indefinitely great
Totake Somo examples flom my own family
(whosc Growth curves are presented in my
magazine knowledge for July TO- 1851 | find
in the curve OF my eldest daughter tour dis
tinrt inlcxious between TIN arts nf - and -.
the curve for my eldest son presents tiNe in
heVions between & and H. and is almost
straight from 9 20 10: the intcXions and irregr-
laritics In the curve for my second s,i, are sin
more numerous. but differently situated thouob
the great mNeAiun between 3 and II is COM
mon TO both curves; the curve Co, mn, thir1
SON differs i'm the most striking way from, NM
for both the others. and while still rrpsentinr
the great depression or infcNi,n ms innevinS
is somewhat diHcrentlV shanpa anl I'm r,,rve
for MY second daughter, while dineripr in