Difference between revisions of "Anthropometry" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Category:Politics and social sciences]]
 
[[Category:Politics and social sciences]]
 
[[Category:Anthropology]]
 
[[Category:Anthropology]]
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[[Image:The speaking portrait.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Illustration from "The Speaking Portrait" (Pearson's Magazine, Vol XI, January to June 1901) demonstrating the principles of Bertillon's anthropometry.]]
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'''Anthropometry''' is the measurement of physical attributes of human beings, such as head width, length of little finger, length of torso, etc. The technique was originally designed for the purpose of studying the variation of human physical characteristics, and was quickly adapted to create an early identification system. Such practices soon evolved into the systematic recording and tracking of [[crime|criminal]]s, although this system was subsequently replaced by [[fingerprinting]]. Attempts were made to identify criminal types based on physical characteristics using anthropometric techniques. Anthropometry was also used in efforts to justify [[racism]]. These problematic applications notwithstanding, anthropometric techniques have proved invaluable in many areas, including [[paleoanthropology|paleoanthropological]] research of pre-human [[fossil]]s, and in identifying ergonomic and safety criteria for the design of a wide range of equipment, furniture, and other items. In these ways, anthropometry has contributed to the understanding of [[human evolution]] and to the creation of a better living environment for all people.
 +
{{toc}}
 +
== Development of anthropometry ==
 +
[[Image:Anthropometry exhibit.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Anthropometry demonstrated in an exhibit from a 1921 [[eugenics]] conference.]]
 +
'''Anthropometry,''' or the "measure of humans," is derived from the [[Greek]] terms ανθρωπος, meaning man, and μετρον, meaning measure. It is the standard technique in [[physical anthropology]] for measurement of living human individuals for the purposes of understanding human physical variation.
 +
 +
===Origins===
 +
The [[France|French]] savant, [[Alphonse Bertillon]], coined the phrase "physical anthropometry" in 1883, to include an identification system based on unchanging measurements of the human frame. Through patient inquiry, Bertillon found that several physical features and dimensions of certain bony structures within the human body remained considerably unchanged throughout adulthood.
 +
 +
From this, Bertillon concluded that when recording these measurements systematically, a single individual could be perfectly distinguished from another. When the value of Bertillon’s discovery was fully realized, his system was quickly adapted into [[police]] methodology in hopes of preventing false identifications and [[arrest]]s.
 +
 +
[[Image:Bertillon - Signalement Anthropometrique.png|right|thumb|250px|A chart from Bertillon's ''Identification anthropométrique'' (1893), demonstrating how to take measurements for his identification system.]]
 +
 +
===Measurement===
 +
Bertillon’s system divided the measurements into eleven categories, including height, stretch (as defined by the length of the body from left shoulder to right middle finger), bust (as defined by the length of one’s torso from the head to the seat, when seated), head width (measured from temple to temple), the length of one’s right ear, the length of one’s left foot, the length of one’s left middle finger, the length of one’s left cubit (or the extension from one’s elbow to the tip of one’s middle finger), the width of one’s cheeks and finally, the length of one’s little finger.
  
[[Image:The speaking portrait.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Illustration from "The Speaking Portrait" (Pearson's Magazine, Vol XI, January to June 1901) demonstrating the principles of Bertillon's anthropometry.]]
+
The initial system in Paris involved collecting these details onto some 100,000 cards. This allowed an official to sort specific measurements, until they were able to identify the certain individual. The system of information was contained in one cabinet designed to facilitate a search as efficiently as possible. Measurement records were without individual names, and final identification was achieved by means of a photograph attached to an individual's measurement card.
'''Anthropometry''', or the "measure of humans", is derived from the Greek terms ανθρωπος, meaning man, and μετρον, meaning measure. The term physical anthropology refers to the measurement of living human individuals for the purposes of understanding human physical variation.
 
  
== Alphonse Bertillon ==
+
==Applications of anthropometry==
[[Image:Anthropometry exhibit.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Anthropometry demonstrated in an exhibit from a 1921 [[eugenics]] conference.]]
 
The French savant, Alphonse Bertillon (b. 1853), coined the phrase physical anthropometry in 1883 to include an identification system based on unchanging measurements of the human frame. Through patient inquiry, Bertillon found that several physical features and dimensions of certain bony structures within the human body remained considerably unchanged throughout adulthood.
 
  
From this, Bertillon concluded that when recording these measurements systematically, a single individual could be perfectly distinguished from another. When the value of Bertillon’s discovery was fully realized, his system was quickly adapted into police methodology in aims of preventing false identifications and arrests.  
+
===Criminalistics===
 +
Anthropometry was first introduced in the late nineteenth century to the field of [[criminology|criminalistics]], helping to identifying individual criminals by physical characteristics. [[Francis Galton]], a key contributor to the field, would later find flaws with Bertillon’s system. Galton realized that variables originally believed independent, such as forearm length and leg length, could be combined into a single causal variable defined as "stature." Galton, in realizing the redundancy of Bertillon’s measurements, had developed the [[statistics|statistical]] concept of correlation.  
  
This practice, adopting the name "Bertillonage", became widely popular and became internationally applied to the administration of justice in most civilized countries at the time. In 1883 the practice was introduced to the country of France, and was quickly credited with remarkable success. England’s adoption of the Bertillon system would soon follow. In 1894, a special committee based in Paris launched an investigation into the methodology used by the system and the results obtained. The investigation proved favorable, in particular regards to the use of structural measurements for primary classification. Despite its report, the committee recommended the adoption of a systematic "finger printing" program as suggested by Francis Galton, and already practiced in Bengal.
+
[[Image:Galton at Bertillon's (1893).jpg|right|thumb|250px|A Bertillon record for Francis Galton, from a visit to Bertillon's laboratory in 1893.]]
 +
[[Alphonse Bertillon]]'s goal was to use anthropometry as a way of identifying recidivists, or [[crime|criminals]] likely to repeat their offense. Before the use of anthropometry, [[police]] officials relied solely on general descriptions and names to make [[arrest]]s, and were unable to apprehend criminals employing false identities. Upon arrest, it was difficult to identify which criminals were first-time offenders and which were repeat offenders. Though the photographing of criminals had become common, it proved ineffectual, as a system had not been found to visually arrange the photographs in a fashion that allowed easy use. Bertillon believed that through the use of anthropometry, all information about an individual criminal could be reduced to a set of identifying numbers which could then be entered into a large filing system.
  
[[Image:Bertillon - Signalement Anthropometrique.png|right|thumb|250px|A chart from Bertillon's ''Identification anthropométrique'' (1893), demonstrating how to take measurements for his identification system.]]
+
Bertillon also envisioned his system as being organized in such a way that, if recorded measurements were limited, the system would still work to drastically reduce the number of potential matches through the categorizing of characteristics as either small, medium, or large. If the length of an individual’s arm was categorized as medium, and the size of the foot known, the number of potential records to be compared would be drastically reduced. Bertillon believed that with more measurements of independent variables, a more precise identification system could be achieved and paired with photographic evidence. Aspects of this philosophy would reappear in Francis Galton's development of systematic [[fingerprint]]ing.
  
==Measurement==
+
The early [[Italy|Italian]] investigator, [[Cesare Lombroso]], believed criminality to be inherited and employed aspects of Bertillion’s anthropometry in his work. Lombroso used anthropometrical measures to find individuals fitting “criminal types,” regardless of any previous conviction.
Bertillon’s system divided the measurements into eleven categories including: height, stretch (as defined by the length of the body from left shoulder to right middle finger), bust (as defined by the length of one’s torso from the head to the seat, when seated), head width (measured from temple to temple), the length of one’s right ear, the length of one’s left foot, the length of one’s left middle finger, the length of one’s left cubit (or the extension from one’s elbow to the tip of one’s middle finger), the width of one’s cheeks and finally, the length of one’s little finger.  
 
  
The accumulated details, first divided by the city of Paris into some 100,000 cards, allowed an official to sort specific measurements until the combined facts of details produced the certain individual sought. The system of information was contained in one cabinet designed to facilitate a search as efficiently as possible. Measurement records are without individual names, and final identification is achieved by means of a photograph attached to an individual's card of measurements.  
+
===Fingerprinting===
 +
The use of anthropometry in the [[criminology|criminological]] realm eventually subsided, overcome by the development of systematic [[fingerprint]]ing. Bertillon’s system of measurements exhibited certain defects which led to it falling into disuse. Objections to the Bertillonage system also included the exorbitant costs of anthropometric instruments, the need for exceptionally well-trained employees, and the significant opportunity for error.  
  
==Anthropometry and Criminalistics==
+
Measures taken or recorded with inaccuracy could seldom, if ever, be corrected, and would defeat all chance of a successful search. Bertillonage was also deemed slow, as it was necessary to repeat the anthropometrical process three times to arrive at a mean result. In 1897, Bertillonage was replaced throughout British [[India]] by the adoption of Bengal’s fingerprint system. As the result of a fresh inquiry ordered by the Home Office, three years later, [[England]] followed suit and fingerprints alone came to be relied upon for identification.
  
Anthropometry was first introduced in the late 19th century to the field of criminalistics, helping to identifying individual criminals by facial characteristics. Francis Galton, a key contributor to the field of criminalistics, would later find flaw with Bertillon’s system. Galton realized that variables originally believed independent, those of forearm length and leg length, could be combined into a single causal variable defined as stature. Galton, in realizing the redundancy of Bertillon’s measurements, had developed the statistical concept of correlation.
+
===Anthropology===
  
[[Image:Galton at Bertillon's (1893).jpg|right|thumb|250px|A Bertillon record for [[Francis Galton]], from a visit to Bertillon's laboratory in 1893.]]
+
[[Image:Head-Measurer of Tremearne (side view).jpg|right|thumb|250px|A "head-measurer" tool designed for anthropological research in the early 1910s.]]
  
Alphonse Bertillon's goal was to use anthropometry as a way of identifying recidivists, or criminals likely to repeat their offense. Before the use of anthropometry, police officials relied solely on general descriptions and names to make arrests, and were unable to apprehend criminals employing false identities. Upon arrest, it was difficult to identify which criminals were first-time offenders and which were repeat offenders. Though the photographing of criminals had become common, it proved ineffectual as a system had not been found to visually arrange the photographs in a fashion that allowed easy use. Bertillon believed that through the use of anthropometry, all information about an individual criminal could be reduced to a set of identifying numbers which could then be entered into a large filing system.
+
During the early twentieth century, anthropometry was extensively employed by [[anthropology|anthropologists]] throughout the [[United States]] and [[Europe]]. Anthropometric techniques were employed in the study of [[paleoanthropology]] to help determine pre-human [[species]] from [[fossil]]ized skulls and bones.  
  
Bertillon also envisioned his system as being organized in such a way that if recorded measurements were limited, the system would still work to drastically reduce the number of potential matches through the categorizing of characteristics as either small, medium, or large. If the length of an individual’s arm was categorized as medium, and the size of the foot known, the number of potential records an official would compare with would be drastically reduced. Bertillon believed that with more measurements of independent variables, a more precise identification system could be achieved and paired with photographic evidence. Aspects of this philosophy would reappear in Francis Galton's development of systematic fingerprinting.
+
Anthropometry was also used in attempted differentiation between the human races. When applications of [[intelligence test]]ing were later incorporated, forms of anthropometry were used to associate physical characteristics with low intelligence, more [[primitive culture]]s and [[crime|criminal]] behavior, and led to the exacerbation of [[racism]] worldwide.
  
==Anthropometry and Fingerprinting==
+
During the 1920s, members of [[Franz Boas]]’ school of [[cultural anthropology]] began to use anthropometric approaches to discredit the concept of fixed biological race. In later years, [[Nazism|Nazi]] [[Germany]] would rely on anthropometric measurements to distinguish “Aryans” from [[Judaism|Jews]]. These approaches were abandoned in the years following the [[Holocaust]], and the teaching of [[physical anthropology]] went into general decline.
  
The use of Anthropometry in a criminological environment would eventually subside, overcome by the development of systematic finger printing. Bertillon’s system of measurements exhibited certain defects which would lead to its disregard. Objections to Bertillonage’s system often included the exorbitant costs of anthropometric instruments, the need for exceptionally trained employees, and the significant opportunity for error.  
+
During the 1940s, William H. Sheldon employed anthropometry to evaluate [[somatotype]]s, which posited that characteristics of the body could be translated into characteristics of the [[mind]]. Sheldon also believed that one’s criminality could be predicted according to body type. Sheldon ran into considerable controversy when his work became public, since he relied extensively on photographs of nude [[Ivy League]] students for his studies.
  
Measures taken or recorded with inaccuracy could seldom, if ever, be corrected, and would defeat all chance of a successful search. Bertillonage was also deemed slow, as it was necessary to repeat the anthropometrical process three times to arrive at a mean result. In 1897, Bertillonage was replaced throughout British India by the adoption of Bengal’s finger print system. Three years later England would follow suit. As the result of a fresh inquiry ordered by the Home Office, finger prints alone would be relied upon for identification.
+
==Modern anthropometry==
  
==Anthropometry and Anthropology==
+
Anthropometric studies continue to be conducted for various purposes. Academic [[anthropology|anthropologists]] often investigate the [[evolution]]ary significance of varying physical proportions between populations, stemming from ancestors from different environmental settings. Contemporary anthropometry has shown human populations to exhibit similar [[climate|climatic]] variation to other large-bodied [[mammal]]s. This finding is aligned with Bergmann's rule, that individuals in colder climates tend to be larger than individuals of warmer climates, and with Allen's rule, which states that individuals in cold climates will tend to have shorter, thicker limbs than those in warm climates.
  
[[Image:Head-Measurer of Tremearne (side view).jpg|right|thumb|250px|A "head-measurer" tool designed for anthropological research in the early 1910s.]]
+
Anthropologists have also used anthropometric variation to reconstruct small-scale population histories. In a study of twentieth century [[Ireland]], John Relethford's collection of anthropometric data exhibited geographical patterns of body proportions coinciding with historic invasions of Ireland by the English and the [[Viking|Norsemen]].
  
During the early 20th century, anthropometry was extensively employed by anthropologists throughout the United States and Europe. A primary use of Anthropometry became the attempted differentiation between races of man. This study attempted to demonstrate in which ways certain races were superior to others. An application of intelligence testing was also incorporated into anthropometric study, and forms of anthropometry were used to advocate eugenics policies. During the 1920’s, members of Franz Boas’ School of Cultural Anthropology began to use anthropometric approaches to discredit the concept of fixed biological race. In later years, NAZI Germany would rely on anthropometric measurements to distinguish “Aryans” from Jews. These approaches were abandoned in the years following the Holocaust, and the teaching of physical anthropology went into general decline.  
+
Aside from academia, anthropometric studies are conducted by scientists working for private companies and government agencies to determine the range of [[clothing]] sizes to be manufactured. Weight trainers often rely on the basic anthropometric divisions, derived by Sheldon, as a way of categorizing body type. Between 1945 and 1988, more than 40 anthropometric surveys of [[United States|U.S.]] military personnel were conducted, including a 1988 Army Anthropometric Survey (ANSUR) of members within its 240 measures.
  
During the 1940’s, William Sheldon employed anthropometry to evaluate somatotypes which accorded that characteristics of the body could be translated into characteristics of the mind. Sheldon also believed that one’s criminality could be predicted according to body type. Sheldon would run into considerable controversy when his work became public, relying extensively on photographs of nude Ivy League students for his studies.
+
Developments in [[technology]] have allowed anthropometric measurements to be taken with the use of three-dimensional scanners. A three-dimensional scan taken of an individual’s body allows measurements to be extracted from the scan rather than directly from the individual.  
  
==Modern Anthropometry==
+
==Anthropometrical ethics==
 +
Anthropometry has served to study body measurements including size, shape, strength, and working capacity. These have shaped developments in clinical research, forensic identifications, and modern design. Despite such valuable contributions, the field of anthropometry has also experienced a history of abuse.
  
Today, anthropometric studies are conducted for various purposes. Academic anthropologists often investigate the evolutionary significance of varying physical proportions between populations stemming from ancestors of different environmental settings. Contemporary anthropometry has shown human populations to exhibit similar climatic variation to other large-bodied mammals. This finding is aligned with Bergmann's rule, stating that individuals in colder climates tend to be larger than individuals of warmer climates, and with Allen's rule, which states that individuals in cold climates will tend to have shorter, thicker limbs than those in warm climates.  
+
Though [[Cesare Lombroso]]’s early misuse of [[crime|criminal]] profiling served to perpetuate social [[racism]], the most infamous abuse of anthropometrical research occurred in the years leading up to, and surrounding, [[World War II]]. Anthropometrical studies performed by German [[Nazi]]s were used in the classification of Aryans and non-Aryans, and lead to the decimation of countless individuals who did not fit into established categories.  
  
Anthropologists also use anthropometric variation to reconstruct small-scale population histories. In a study of 20th century Ireland, John Relethford's collection of anthropometric data exhibited geographical patterns of body proportions coinciding with historic invasions of Ireland by the English and the Norse.  
+
After the events of World War II, the use of physical anthropometry for racial categorization was widely abandoned. Anthropometrical research was soon adapted into studies of human [[biology]], including growth changes over time and objective signs of [[health]]. Anthropometric techniques have also proved invaluable in [[paleoanthropology|paleoanthropological]] research.
Aside from academia, scientists working for private companies and government agencies conduct anthropometric studies to determine the range of clothing sizes to be manufactured. Today, weight trainers often rely on basic anthropometric divisions, derived by Sheldon, for means of categorizing body type. Between 1945 and 1988, the United States Military conducted more than 40 anthropometric surveys of Military personnel, including a 1988 Army Anthropometric Survey (ANSUR) of members within its 240 measures.
 
  
Today, technology is performing anthropometry with the use of three-dimensional scanners. A three-dimensional scan taken of an individual’s body allows anthropometric officials to extract measurements from the scan rather than directly from the individual. Officials can use this scan to extract any measurement at any time.
+
Anthropometric studies are used in the design of modern [[aircraft]], preparation for [[plastic surgery|cosmetic surgery]], estimations of general health, and more. In addition, anthropometry is also paired with [[ergonomics]], the scientific design of equipment, to craft office workstations, aircraft cockpits, and home furniture. Anthropometry is also used in [[safety]] design, specifically for infants and children. In its wide expansion, the field of anthropometry has recovered from a controversial history which perpetuated discrimination.
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
* Lombroso, ''Antropometria di 400 delinquenti'' (1872)
 
* Roberts, ''Manual of Anthropometry'' (1878)
 
* Ferri, ''Studi comparati di antropometria'' (2 vols., 1881-1882)
 
* Lombroso, ''Rughe anomale speciali ai criminali'' (1890)
 
* Bertillon, ''Instructions signalétiques pour l'identification anthropométrique'' (1893)
 
* Livi, ''Anthropometria'' (Milan, 1900)
 
* Fürst, ''Indextabellen zum anthropometrischen Gebrauch'' (Jena, 1902)
 
* ''Report of Home Office Committee on the Best Means of Identifying Habitual Criminals'' (1893-1894)
 
* [http://assist.daps.dla.mil/docimages/0000/40/29/54083.PD0 DOD-HDBK-743A], ''Anthropometry of US Military Personnel'' (1991)
 
  
==Resources==
+
*Bertillon. 1893. ''Instructions signalétiques pour l'identification anthropométrique''.
* [http://www.humanics-es.com/recc-ergonomics.htm Ergonomics research: Anthropometrics, ergonomic tools, product design, etc.]
+
*Department of Defense. 1991. [http://assist.daps.dla.mil/docimages/0000/40/29/54083.PD0 Military Handbook: Anthropometry of U.S. Military Personnel.] Retrieved December 28, 2007.
 +
*Ferri. 1881-1882. ''Studi comparati di antropometria''. 2 vols.
 +
*Fürst. 1902. ''Indextabellen zum anthropometrischen Gebrauch''.
 +
*Heyward, Vivian H. and Lisa M. Stolarczyk. 1996. ''Applied Body Composition Assessment''. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers. ISBN 0873226534
 +
*Livi. 1900. ''Anthropometria''.
 +
*Lombroso, Cesare. 1872. ''Antropometria di 400 delinquenti''.
 +
*Lombroso, Cesare. 1890. ''Rughe anomale speciali ai criminali''.
 +
*Relethford, John H. 1999. ''The Human Species: An Introduction to Biological Anthropology''. Westview Press. ISBN 0767411714
 +
*Roberts. 1878. ''Manual of Anthropometry''.
 +
*Ulijaszek, Stanley J., ed. 1994. ''Anthropometry: The Individual and the Population''. Cambridge, England. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521019974
 +
 
 +
==External links==
 +
All links retrieved October 30, 2021.
 +
*[http://www.humanics-es.com/recc-ergonomics.htm Anthropometrics] Ergonomics research.
 +
 
 
{{Credit1|Anthropometry|55976194|}}
 
{{Credit1|Anthropometry|55976194|}}

Revision as of 11:00, 30 October 2021


Illustration from "The Speaking Portrait" (Pearson's Magazine, Vol XI, January to June 1901) demonstrating the principles of Bertillon's anthropometry.

Anthropometry is the measurement of physical attributes of human beings, such as head width, length of little finger, length of torso, etc. The technique was originally designed for the purpose of studying the variation of human physical characteristics, and was quickly adapted to create an early identification system. Such practices soon evolved into the systematic recording and tracking of criminals, although this system was subsequently replaced by fingerprinting. Attempts were made to identify criminal types based on physical characteristics using anthropometric techniques. Anthropometry was also used in efforts to justify racism. These problematic applications notwithstanding, anthropometric techniques have proved invaluable in many areas, including paleoanthropological research of pre-human fossils, and in identifying ergonomic and safety criteria for the design of a wide range of equipment, furniture, and other items. In these ways, anthropometry has contributed to the understanding of human evolution and to the creation of a better living environment for all people.

Development of anthropometry

Anthropometry demonstrated in an exhibit from a 1921 eugenics conference.

Anthropometry, or the "measure of humans," is derived from the Greek terms ανθρωπος, meaning man, and μετρον, meaning measure. It is the standard technique in physical anthropology for measurement of living human individuals for the purposes of understanding human physical variation.

Origins

The French savant, Alphonse Bertillon, coined the phrase "physical anthropometry" in 1883, to include an identification system based on unchanging measurements of the human frame. Through patient inquiry, Bertillon found that several physical features and dimensions of certain bony structures within the human body remained considerably unchanged throughout adulthood.

From this, Bertillon concluded that when recording these measurements systematically, a single individual could be perfectly distinguished from another. When the value of Bertillon’s discovery was fully realized, his system was quickly adapted into police methodology in hopes of preventing false identifications and arrests.

A chart from Bertillon's Identification anthropométrique (1893), demonstrating how to take measurements for his identification system.

Measurement

Bertillon’s system divided the measurements into eleven categories, including height, stretch (as defined by the length of the body from left shoulder to right middle finger), bust (as defined by the length of one’s torso from the head to the seat, when seated), head width (measured from temple to temple), the length of one’s right ear, the length of one’s left foot, the length of one’s left middle finger, the length of one’s left cubit (or the extension from one’s elbow to the tip of one’s middle finger), the width of one’s cheeks and finally, the length of one’s little finger.

The initial system in Paris involved collecting these details onto some 100,000 cards. This allowed an official to sort specific measurements, until they were able to identify the certain individual. The system of information was contained in one cabinet designed to facilitate a search as efficiently as possible. Measurement records were without individual names, and final identification was achieved by means of a photograph attached to an individual's measurement card.

Applications of anthropometry

Criminalistics

Anthropometry was first introduced in the late nineteenth century to the field of criminalistics, helping to identifying individual criminals by physical characteristics. Francis Galton, a key contributor to the field, would later find flaws with Bertillon’s system. Galton realized that variables originally believed independent, such as forearm length and leg length, could be combined into a single causal variable defined as "stature." Galton, in realizing the redundancy of Bertillon’s measurements, had developed the statistical concept of correlation.

A Bertillon record for Francis Galton, from a visit to Bertillon's laboratory in 1893.

Alphonse Bertillon's goal was to use anthropometry as a way of identifying recidivists, or criminals likely to repeat their offense. Before the use of anthropometry, police officials relied solely on general descriptions and names to make arrests, and were unable to apprehend criminals employing false identities. Upon arrest, it was difficult to identify which criminals were first-time offenders and which were repeat offenders. Though the photographing of criminals had become common, it proved ineffectual, as a system had not been found to visually arrange the photographs in a fashion that allowed easy use. Bertillon believed that through the use of anthropometry, all information about an individual criminal could be reduced to a set of identifying numbers which could then be entered into a large filing system.

Bertillon also envisioned his system as being organized in such a way that, if recorded measurements were limited, the system would still work to drastically reduce the number of potential matches through the categorizing of characteristics as either small, medium, or large. If the length of an individual’s arm was categorized as medium, and the size of the foot known, the number of potential records to be compared would be drastically reduced. Bertillon believed that with more measurements of independent variables, a more precise identification system could be achieved and paired with photographic evidence. Aspects of this philosophy would reappear in Francis Galton's development of systematic fingerprinting.

The early Italian investigator, Cesare Lombroso, believed criminality to be inherited and employed aspects of Bertillion’s anthropometry in his work. Lombroso used anthropometrical measures to find individuals fitting “criminal types,” regardless of any previous conviction.

Fingerprinting

The use of anthropometry in the criminological realm eventually subsided, overcome by the development of systematic fingerprinting. Bertillon’s system of measurements exhibited certain defects which led to it falling into disuse. Objections to the Bertillonage system also included the exorbitant costs of anthropometric instruments, the need for exceptionally well-trained employees, and the significant opportunity for error.

Measures taken or recorded with inaccuracy could seldom, if ever, be corrected, and would defeat all chance of a successful search. Bertillonage was also deemed slow, as it was necessary to repeat the anthropometrical process three times to arrive at a mean result. In 1897, Bertillonage was replaced throughout British India by the adoption of Bengal’s fingerprint system. As the result of a fresh inquiry ordered by the Home Office, three years later, England followed suit and fingerprints alone came to be relied upon for identification.

Anthropology

A "head-measurer" tool designed for anthropological research in the early 1910s.

During the early twentieth century, anthropometry was extensively employed by anthropologists throughout the United States and Europe. Anthropometric techniques were employed in the study of paleoanthropology to help determine pre-human species from fossilized skulls and bones.

Anthropometry was also used in attempted differentiation between the human races. When applications of intelligence testing were later incorporated, forms of anthropometry were used to associate physical characteristics with low intelligence, more primitive cultures and criminal behavior, and led to the exacerbation of racism worldwide.

During the 1920s, members of Franz Boas’ school of cultural anthropology began to use anthropometric approaches to discredit the concept of fixed biological race. In later years, Nazi Germany would rely on anthropometric measurements to distinguish “Aryans” from Jews. These approaches were abandoned in the years following the Holocaust, and the teaching of physical anthropology went into general decline.

During the 1940s, William H. Sheldon employed anthropometry to evaluate somatotypes, which posited that characteristics of the body could be translated into characteristics of the mind. Sheldon also believed that one’s criminality could be predicted according to body type. Sheldon ran into considerable controversy when his work became public, since he relied extensively on photographs of nude Ivy League students for his studies.

Modern anthropometry

Anthropometric studies continue to be conducted for various purposes. Academic anthropologists often investigate the evolutionary significance of varying physical proportions between populations, stemming from ancestors from different environmental settings. Contemporary anthropometry has shown human populations to exhibit similar climatic variation to other large-bodied mammals. This finding is aligned with Bergmann's rule, that individuals in colder climates tend to be larger than individuals of warmer climates, and with Allen's rule, which states that individuals in cold climates will tend to have shorter, thicker limbs than those in warm climates.

Anthropologists have also used anthropometric variation to reconstruct small-scale population histories. In a study of twentieth century Ireland, John Relethford's collection of anthropometric data exhibited geographical patterns of body proportions coinciding with historic invasions of Ireland by the English and the Norsemen.

Aside from academia, anthropometric studies are conducted by scientists working for private companies and government agencies to determine the range of clothing sizes to be manufactured. Weight trainers often rely on the basic anthropometric divisions, derived by Sheldon, as a way of categorizing body type. Between 1945 and 1988, more than 40 anthropometric surveys of U.S. military personnel were conducted, including a 1988 Army Anthropometric Survey (ANSUR) of members within its 240 measures.

Developments in technology have allowed anthropometric measurements to be taken with the use of three-dimensional scanners. A three-dimensional scan taken of an individual’s body allows measurements to be extracted from the scan rather than directly from the individual.

Anthropometrical ethics

Anthropometry has served to study body measurements including size, shape, strength, and working capacity. These have shaped developments in clinical research, forensic identifications, and modern design. Despite such valuable contributions, the field of anthropometry has also experienced a history of abuse.

Though Cesare Lombroso’s early misuse of criminal profiling served to perpetuate social racism, the most infamous abuse of anthropometrical research occurred in the years leading up to, and surrounding, World War II. Anthropometrical studies performed by German Nazis were used in the classification of Aryans and non-Aryans, and lead to the decimation of countless individuals who did not fit into established categories.

After the events of World War II, the use of physical anthropometry for racial categorization was widely abandoned. Anthropometrical research was soon adapted into studies of human biology, including growth changes over time and objective signs of health. Anthropometric techniques have also proved invaluable in paleoanthropological research.

Anthropometric studies are used in the design of modern aircraft, preparation for cosmetic surgery, estimations of general health, and more. In addition, anthropometry is also paired with ergonomics, the scientific design of equipment, to craft office workstations, aircraft cockpits, and home furniture. Anthropometry is also used in safety design, specifically for infants and children. In its wide expansion, the field of anthropometry has recovered from a controversial history which perpetuated discrimination.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Bertillon. 1893. Instructions signalétiques pour l'identification anthropométrique.
  • Department of Defense. 1991. Military Handbook: Anthropometry of U.S. Military Personnel. Retrieved December 28, 2007.
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External links

All links retrieved October 30, 2021.

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