Abstract
The method consists in making stereoscopic photographs of growing children, under standardized conditions, at three month intervals. The apparatus consists of a portable framework for holding the camera, backgrounds, lights, measuring scales, etc., so that all of the physical conditions are kept constant. A plate glass mirror, arranged at the side of the subject at an angle of 45°, serves to give a lateral view, thus making possible the securing of simultaneous anterior and lateral views.
Standardization of position is secured by placing the subject with the following four points resting against a vertical steel rod bearing a centimeter scale: occiput, spine between scapulæ, sacrum, and heels. An adjustable square, sliding on the vertical steel rod, indicates the subject's height on the centimeter scales.
Artificial light (2000 Watts) of such intensity is used as to permit instantaneous photographs to be secured with 1/5 second exposure at F-8. The development of negatives is standardized by using the tank factorial system. All data pertaining to the subject, such as number, date of birth, date of photograph, and weight, are photographed on the film. The photographs are secured with great rapidity.
The method permits visualization of growth and nutritional status and makes it possible for accurate measurements to be made on the anterior and lateral silhouettes for the purpose of developing correlations between the growth of certain parts and other factors such as height and weight.
Stereoscopic prints and stereoscopic projection by means of a double lantern with complementary red and blue-green filters make possible complete visualization of form at each growth stage. This, together with prints from superimposed negatives, makes possible the formation of many concepts which cannot be expressed by anthropometric measurements.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.