The span, or fathom, is an interesting measurement and one readily made. We do not propose to discontinue this measurement, but it is worth bearing in mind that it is of little real scientific value, as it is a composite one, being the addition for four variables, viz. the hand, forearm, upper arm, and the width of the body across the shoulders. In the laboratory, and in this expedition, we measure the lengths of the right hand (tip of mid-finger to styloid) and of the right forearm (styloid to epicondyle). It is also the custom in the laboratory to measure the right upper-arm (epicondyle to acromion), but this was found to be impossible in the case of the Aran islanders on account of the thickness of their flannel sleeves. In the laboratory, also, there is great difficulty, and sometimes it is impossible, to take this measurement. When these three upper-limb measurements can be taken, the span measurement is of considerable value. These measurements, however, can only be taken by an observer who has had some anatomical instruction, and often they are very difficult to take even by a skilled observer.

PHOTOGRAPHY

A considerable number of photographs were obtained of the people. In some cases groups were taken, but full-face and side-view portraits were secured of thirteen of the subjects we measured. We found that the promise of a copy of their photograph was usually a sufficient reward for undergoing the trouble of being measured and photographed.

About the Author

Brian Friel was born in Omagh, County Tyrone, in 1929. His plays include Philadelphia, Here I Come!, Translations, Faith Healer, Making History and Dancing at Lughnasa.

By the Same Author

THE ENEMY WITHIN
PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME!
THE LOVES OF CASS MAGUIRE
LOVERS
VOLUNTEERS
LIVING QUARTERS
THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY
THREE SISTERS (CHEKHOV)
ARISTOCRATS
THE COMMUNICATION CORD
MAKING HISTORY
FATHERS AND SONS (AFTER TURGENEV)
THE LONDON VERTIGO (AFTER CHARLES MACKLIN)
A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY (AFTER TURGENEV)
DANCING AT LUGHNASA
WONDERFUL TENNESSEE
MOLLY SWEENEY
GIVE ME YOUR ANSWER, DO
TRANSLATIONS
FAITH HEALER
THREE PLAYS AFTER
THE HOME PLACE
UNCLE VANYA (CHEKHOV)
PERFORMANCES

BRIAN FRIEL: PLAYS ONE
(Philadelphia, Here I Come!, The Freedom of the City, Living Quarters, Aristocrats, Faith Healer, Translations)

BRIAN FRIEL: PLAYS TWO
(Dancing at Lughnasa, Fathers and Sons, Making History, Wonderful Tennessee, Molly Sweeney)

also available
FABER CRITICAL GUIDE: BRIAN FRIEL
(Philadelphia, Here I Come!, Translations, Making History, Dancing at Lughnasa)

Copyright

First published by The Gallery Press in 2005
First published in this edition in 2005
by Faber and Faber Ltd
Bloomsbury House
74–77 Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3DA
This ebook edition first published in 2013

All rights reserved
© Brian Friel, 2005

The right of Brian Friel to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in accordance with Section 77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

All rights whatsoever in this work are strictly reserved. Applications for any use whatsoever including performance rights must be made in advance, prior to any such proposed use to: The Agency (London) Ltd, 24 Pottery Lane, Holland Park, London W11 4LZ. No performance may be given unless a licence has first been obtained.