Definition: Anthropometry may perhaps be most simply and comprehensively defined as the conventional art or system of measuring the human body. The systems of measuring the skull and the skeleton are known separately as craniometry and osteometry, but these terms are frequently merged with that of anthropometry; thus we speak only of anthropometric instruments, anthropometric methods, anthropometric laboratories.
Object: The object of anthropometry is to supplement visual observation, which is always more or less limited and uncertain, by accurate mechanical determinations. The ideal function of anthropometry would be the complete elimination of personal bias, and the furnishing of absolutely correct data on such dimensions of the body, organs, or skeleton, as might be of importance to those who use the measurements. This ideal is not attainable to a perfection, but it is the highest duty for every worker to strive for as close approach to it as may be in his power.
Diversity: Anthropometry in genera1 is not and may never be one uniform system. It is a handmaid to various classes of workers who