Linearization of human growth curves affords new classification of dwarfism

We describe here a new technique for analyzing human growth curves using a first order kinetic representation. Plotting in ([h infinity-ht)/h infinity] vs time (where h infinity and ht represent the final and instantaneous heights) transforms growth curves into 3 linear phases and 2 interphases. These growth parameters can be quantitatively compared between normal individuals of the same gender, between different sexes, and between individuals of normal and aberrant growth. This analysis provides a new classification of dwarfism.