Med J Malaya, 1947;1:252-272.

Abstract

European standards on height, weight, centres of ossification and date of onset of puberty are not applicable to Asiatic girls in Malaya. " Asiatics " could not be grouped together, racial groups showed differences, especially the three main groups-Chinese, Indians and Malays. Nine tables are furnished showing the average and maximum and minimum heights and weights of the four main groups examined, as well as of some of the minor groups, arranged according to ages from 5 years to 19 years. The conclusion is drawn that the European standard of height and weight is higher than that of any of the Asiatic races in Malaya; a greater difference is noted in the weight than in the height and there is a much greater range in the weight of Asiatics but a smaller range in the height. Onset of menstruation tended to be earlier in the local Asiatic groups than in Europeans. The date of eruption of permanent teeth appeared to be earlier among Asiatic races. No deciduous teeth were found at the age of 12-13 years, the lower second molar was seen in all those examined at that age and the whole lower set was present, excluding the third molar. Earlier efuption of the canine teeth was also noticeable. Details should be consulted in the original by all those interested in medico legal work in tropical countries. P. A. Clearkin.