Pelvic Dimensions: An Account of Studies of the Pelvis 1885-1988

Abstract

Although a quick glance at the abstract and contents pages seems to indicate a wellstructured, carefully thought-out and coherent thesis, the production of this was not a rational process. I am privy to an occasional reminder of this when delving into a drawer of my desk and discover some long-abandoned and deservedly forgotten draft of this thesis. To be given three years or more spending time reading in the many libraries attached to this University is a rare privilege, and 1 count myself very fortunate to be able to do this.This thesis had its ontogeny through the patience of Dr. Diana Mason, a brilliant and much-loved obstetrician in Wellington. My initial interest had been stimulated by gynrecological activities, and especially from reading descriptions in childbirth literature about 'cephalopelvic disproportion' describing an indication for operative delivery. This indication has the effect of a red rag to a bull for heirs of Dr. Pangloss' such as myself. It seemed to indicate a maladaptation, a misproportion or mismatch between what the mother was physically capable of bearing, and what the neonate grew to. I felt sure there was some key to understanding why cephalopelvic disproportion still occurred. Perhaps the father's size had some relationship? Surely such disproportion would have otherwise rapidly disappeared by the normal processes of natural selection. The title with which I registered for a Ph. D. reflected such aspirations: "Racial diversity in pelvic architecture and cephalopelvic disproportion in New Zealand". Physical anthropology with an obstetrical slant.