The physical examination and development of public school boys : based upon records of over 40,000 observations : a paper read before the Association on April 4th, 1899 / by Cecil Hawkins.

  • Hawkins, Cecil.
Date:
1900
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The physical examination and development of public school boys : based upon records of over 40,000 observations : a paper read before the Association on April 4th, 1899 / by Cecil Hawkins. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

    5/38
    THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOL BOYS. The chief objects of general interest to be gained by systematic observation of growing boys are :— (1) Advancement of our knowledge as to the general rate of growth of the human frame. (2) Advancement of our knowledge as to the growth which may reasonably be expected of any individual at any stage of his development. (3) Advancement of our knowledge as to the effect which systematic physical exercises produce upon the development of the frame. I believe that the present state of our knowledge upon each of these points is far less extensive and accurate than is generally supposed, and that there is too much disposi- tion to accept the variations of certain averages as fixing the correct rate of growth of the healthy boy, and to as- sume that any marked departure from this rate of growth is an unhealthy sign. This tendency is accompanied by too strong a belief that the healthy condition of the in- dividual under observation can be correctly gauged by the exactness of his conformity to certain rules of proportion or symmetry, which have been based upon averages. Such a method of diagnosis does not, in my opinion, sufficiently take into account what the natural scheme, so to speak, of the individual’s growth may be, for there is no doubt that it is natural to a considerable proportion of the human race to differ in a marked degree from the general average as regards their proportionate structure,