This study draws upon two large 19th century stature data sets—white Civil War
recruits and white state penitentiary inmates—to assess factors associated with white
stature variation and to determine if the stature-insolation hypothesis is observed across
two independently collected samples. Three paths of inquiry are considered. First, how
did 19th century white statures compare between two different socioeconomic groups?
This paper demonstrates that the statures of soldiers and prisoners were similar
throughout the 19th century. Second, how did soldier and prisoner statures vary with
insolation, the primary source of vitamin D? The relationship between stature and
insolation for Civil War soldiers and 19th century prisoners were remarkably similar, and
sensitivity analysis demonstrates that stature-insolation effects were similar between
soldiers and prisoners. Third, for both soldiers and prisoners, what was the relationship
between stature and occupation? The farmer stature advantage among soldiers was
comparable to the farmer stature advantage among prisoners, indicating the relationships
between stature, insolation, and socioeconomic status were similar across two
independent 19th century samples.
II. Data
Testing the stature-insolation hypothesis across independent samples requires
three unique data sources. First, a reasonable measure for solar radiation is necessary.
Second, two independently drawn stature samples are required. Military records
represent biological living conditions among a higher socioeconomic segment of society,