FRADD'S POSTURE METHODS EARN MUCH COMMENDATION

The effectiveness of the method in use at Harvard for recording posture has earned the commendation of Physical Training authorities throughout the country, but few men realize that the intricate camera, known as the Silhouettograph was invented, after considerable experimentation, by Mr. Norman W. Fradd, of the Department of Physical Education.

In the campaign to improve the standard of posture among young men, authorities at Harvard have always been pioneers. Realizing that photography was by far the most accurate and satisfactory method to use, though expensive, experiments were carried cut for the purpose of ascertaining a method whereby portraits might be obtained, enabling the examiner to prescribe special corrective exercise. The silhouette picture was the result of this investigation.

The actual expense of the entire operation by the Silhouetteograph is about one cent or less per picture, depending on the size. Furthermore, the time required for taking the picture is very short, and a particular advantage of this camera, according to Mr. Fradd, is the psychological effect of showing the student an accurate silhouette of his body in which defects in posture are plainly indicated, so that they stimulate a desire for improvement.

"After the completion of the posture pictures" Mr. Fradd explained to a CRIMSON reporter, "men who are graded D report for corrective exercise, where special equipment is provided to enable students to improve posture. This equipment consists entirely of stall bars, stools, mats, chest weights, and a full length mirror.

"An important part of this corrective training" he continued, "is that work is mental rather than physical, the instructor taking advantage of every opportunity to stimulate interest in good posture. The most we hope to accomplish with a majority of the men is first, to have them recognize that body mechanics is an important part in the health of an individual; second, to have them get the feel of what a good position is; and third, to familiarize them with types of exercise that may be used to help effect correction."

Mr. Fradd recently visited Rochester to confer with representatives of the Eastman Kodak Company about a new camer which he is having constructed. The popularity of the Silhouetteograph has been such as to warrant continued experimentation by Mr. Fradd, and a general installation of this camera, especially in colleges, where the problem of correct posture is common, may be expected in the near future.