Cephalic Index
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The cephalic index is the percentage ratio of the transverse diameter to the longitudinal diameter of the head, calculated by measuring the head with spreading calipers. Based on this index, heads are classified as dolichocephalic (index below 75), mesocephalic (index 75-80), and brachycephalic (index 80 and above).
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
CEPHALIC INDEX, head indicator, the percentage ratio of the transverse diameter to the longitudinal diameter, is calculated by the formula: width ÷ length. The determination of the required values is performed by measuring the head with the help of a spreading (thick) caliper of Broca. When measuring the transverse diameter of the head, the legs of the caliper are placed on the most protruding points to the sides (aurion) of the temporal regions, with the mastoid processes not being taken into account; when measuring the longitudinal diameter, the distance between the nasion (glabella) and the occipital protuberance (inion) is determined. According to the cephalic index, the following are distinguished: dolichocephalics (I. c. not above 74.9), mesocephalics (I. c. from 75.0 to 79.9) and brachycephalics (I. c. from 80.0).
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“Cephalic Index.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/cephalic-index/