THE WOMAN-MAN.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 9894, 26 January 1911, Page 2

THE WOMAN-MAN.

The atrangf) statement is made, on the authority of two eminent professors of art, and gymnastics, that unless sha radically changes her habits, the American woman iv a few years will be indistinguishable as regards >'° r figure from a man. ... 0 According to Dr D-«;.V Alleu faarfieut, director pf at Harvard Up**-*""- 7, tlie l )h y sl( l ue of A ir ,-.";au womauliood has undergone ii singular change iv the last twenty years, mainly as the result of excessive indulgence iv athletioH. Dr Sargent lias iv his study a composite statue modelled iv accordance with the actual measurements of more than 10,000 women before the y?ar 1890.

Since the statue was completed, he says, the Americau woman's physique lias been revolutionised until it now approximates that of the man. Her foot and hands have become larger, her hips smaller, her shoulders broader and her neck thicker. Dr Sargent's observations are confirmed by Mr John W. Alexander, the portrait painter and pres dent of the National Academy of Design.

He declares that the American woman seems determined to lose what constitutes woman's greatest charm. "In no other couutry do you see such masculine figures as Americau women have In France the woman is tlie personification of grace. Iv Gprmauy she is not so graceful perhaps, but she has that motherly bearing which gives her a lovableness not often found iv our women.

"Iv Euglaurl her stateliuess aud dignity dissipate tho slightest suggestion of the masculine. But tlie American woman lias devoted herself to such an extent, to athletics, that she has become the despair of artists, with her flat chest, huge muscular waist, strong, heavy arms, thick neck, small hips, aud large feet and hands."

Dr Sargent predicts that unless the Americau woman modifies her present passion for violent outdoor exercise "her figure iv a few years will be so manlike that she will appear ridiculous in female attire."