Abstract
THE question of the value of physical measurements is one that lies at the base of physical anthropology. Large numbers of often very extended series of measurements are continually being published, new methods are constantly being proposed and tried; but in spite of all this, it is questionable whether the value of the results obtained is proportionate to the trouble expended. Unfortunately there is variability in the methods employed, which may change according to the nationality of the investigators; some methods are complicated like those of Benedikt and Tœrœk, or, as in the case of the latter anthropologist, who takes 5000 measurements on a single skull, they may be impracticably numerous. Very precise measurement with refined instruments gives an apparent exactitude which appears to be more scientific than it really is. Preferable is the system that adopts a small number of measurements which can be readily made, and which have a better chance of being taken on a large number of subjects. The extreme exactitude of cranial measurements, especially when based, for example, on the cephalic index only, has often led to creating imaginary races among a given people.
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Physical Measurements in Anthropology. Nature 60, 234–235 (1899). https://doi.org/10.1038/060234a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/060234a0