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Science Frontiers ONLINE No. 118: Jul-Aug 1998 |
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Measuring Beauty
The Golden Ratio. In SF#107, we saw how some of Mozart's compositions are divided according the the Golden Ratio: 0.618. Even the ancient Greeks believed this ratio to be the secret of beauty in form and shape. Our greatest painters, sculptors, and architects have employed the Golden Ratio intentionally or unknowingly.
Realizing this august history of the Golden Ratio, it is surprising to learn that a test of 51 established artists and sculptors has cast doubt upon the whole business.
The subjects were asked to take a pencil and divide line segments into two parts such that they formed the most pleasing proportion. The ratio of choice was a disappointing 1:2 rather than 0.618!
(Macrosson, W.D.K., and Stewart, P.E.; "The Inclination of Artists to Partition Line Sections in the Golden Ratio," Perceptual and Motor Skills, 84:707, 1997.)
Why Barbie Is Beautiful. A study of a long series of hominid fossils reveals a progressive loss of some physical attributes and the acquisition of other characteristics. One wonders why evolution has been remodeling the human form in what often seem to be nonadaptive ways. A curious, superficially frivolous test may offer some insights, some of which may be profound.
Drawings and photographs showing humans with various physical traits were prepared and shown to 495 subjects, who were asked to select the most attractive characteristics.
- In disfavor were: short shins, short legs, bowed legs, large and pointed canines, gums showing above the teeth, short thumbs, long palms, curved fingers, jutting jaws, short necks. These are all primitive features still seen in apes and monkeys.
- Favored were: tallness, long legs, slim waists, long necks, curved red lips, large eyes, square shoulders, straight teeth, straight fingers, smooth and hairless skin, nonsloping foreheads, flat abdomens. These are all features "derived" during evolutionary history. A look at a photograph of a Barbie doll, which accompanied the article, proves that Barbie epitomizes these favored characteristics.
Apparently, human males have been selecting their mates for these traits. The fossil record indicates this Barbie trend over millions of years. In effect, humans are selectively breeding themselves with Barbie as a goal for women.
Interestingly, dolls with more of the primitive traits have never been able to compete with Barbie in the marketplace.
(Magro, Albert M.; "Why Barbie is Perceived as Beautiful," Perceptual and Motor Skills, 85:363, 1997.)
Comments. The article did not mention bosoms or buttocks. Nor were males considered. It follows, though, that men must be evolving in the direction of Ken, Barbie's well-known boy friend.