Posted on Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Dr. Timothy Cuff, assistant professor of history at Westminster College, recently presented his research at the 74th annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Historical Association in Pittsburgh.
His research, "Anthropometric History: What is It and What Can It Tell Us About Antebellum Pennsylvania," introduces the field of historical anthropometric, the use of physical body measurements, primarily stature, to assess the biological well-being or health of historical populations.
"This paper is based on the results developed in conjunction with research published in my book, 'The Hidden Cost of Economic Development: The Biological Standard of Living in Antebellum Pennsylvania,'" Cuff said. "I present evidence indicating that during the early decades of the 1800s, the biological well-being of Pennsylvania populations deteriorated slightly during this period of significant economic growth.
"Somewhat surprisingly, but consistent with similar work on other countries undergoing the early stages of modern economic growth, individuals most distant from regions experience the greatest economic development displayed the greatest average height."
Ray Walling, a senior history major from Landenberg, accompanied Cuff at this conference. He is an honors student and a graduate of Kennett High School.
Cuff, who has been with Westminster College since 2000, earned his undergraduate degree from Westminster College, his master's from Bowling Green State University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.
Contact Cuff at (724) 946-6152 or e-mail cufft@westminster.edu for more information.
