Árbók Háskóla Íslands - 02.01.1925, Blaðsíða 254

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be included in that of the Norwegians and Swedes. Besides
other features it is stature which shows that the Icelanders
are predominantly of the Nordic race.
It is probable that the stature of the Icelanders has increased
somewhat during the last decennia, as in other countries, for
tlie conditions of life have greatly improved. Yet nevertheless
the old people, according to my measurements, are of almost
the same stature as young people.
This does not mean that the higli stature of the Icelanders
is to be ascribed to specially healthy conditions of life, from
a hygienic point of view. The Icelanders have always lived a
Spartan life and been badly housed, and this is, still largely
the case.
Nor can it be asserted that their higlier stature has been
brought about by racial mixture or a high degree of comfort.
No racial mixture has taken place till lately and then only very
slightly. Furtlier it cannot be said that high stature is detri-
mental to health. Mortality is comparatively low. Though tbe
Icelanders are taller than other Scandinavians, according to
my measurements, still it is uncertain, if their stature really
differs essentially from that of the Swedes and Norwegians, as
the individuals measured by me were probably somewhat taller
than the average.
The stature of the Icelanders is mainly inherited. The first
settlers were doubtless tall men, a large percentage of whom
were of noble blood. It is striking that the stature lias not
apparently been lowered by the extremely hard conditions of
life during 1000 years, and it may be assumed with some proba-
bility, that it will rise considerably, when conditions of life
are improved.
The average weight of adult Icelanders was 68,1 kg., of those
of recruiting age 67,2 kg. This is higher than for the other
Scandinavian nations, even when their stature is taken into
consideration. Halfdan Bryn found in Norway 63,8 to
66,4 kg. (weight of recruits), and D a a 66 kg,
I take it for granted that the weight of Icelanders is heavier
than the avenage weight of a European, assumed to be 65 kg.
by R. Martin. On the other hand the weight of Scandinavians
is not knowm so axactly as is desirable, at least not that of adults
who are past the recruiting age. It is, therefore, not quite cer-
tain that the Icelanders in reality deviate from Norwegians and
Swedes in this respect. To judge from their exterior it seems