MAN GROWING TALLER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23648, 4 November 1938, Page 12

MAN GROWING TALLER

Statistics collected in recent years suggest that men and women are growing taller, and at a rate which, in comparison with normal biological changes, is phenomenal. Measurements of conscripts in several European countries during the past halfcentury show that the average height is increasing at a rate of about one inch in 25 years Similar increases have been observed in Japan, India and North America, and it is possible that the change is world-wide, writes a special correspondent of the Sunday Times. When it is remembered that prehistoric man. iudged from the evidence of large numbers of skeletons, was little different in stature from modem man, this sudden and widespread lump is remarkable An obvious explanation, sc far as more civilised races are concerned, would be provided by the notable advances in nutrition and hygiene during the past 50 years. The people of Britain, for example, are immeasurably better fed and better housed than were their grandnarents, and they have knowledge of food values, vitamins and diet generally which their ancestors lacked. But a recent investigation, reported in Nature by Miss Ruth Jacob of Newnham College, suggests that advances in diet and nygiene do not provide the whole explanation.