The height of Swiss mercenaries, c. 1725 - c. 1865

Area of Science:

• Economic History
• Anthropometry
• Public Health

Background:

• The biological standard of living reflects population health and nutrition.
• Anthropometric data provide insights into historical living standards.
• Switzerland experienced significant economic and social changes in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trace the evolution of the biological standard of living in Switzerland.
• To analyze anthropometric data from Swiss mercenaries (born 1725-1865) to assess health and nutritional trends.
• To correlate these trends with historical economic and social transformations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of anthropometric measurements (height) from approximately 22,000 Swiss mercenaries.
• Estimation of minimum height thresholds to account for recruitment variations.
• Comparison of average heights between different birth cohorts (pre- and post-1800).

Main Results:

• A marked decline in average height was observed starting in the 1770s, persisting into the mid-19th century.
• Mercenaries born after 1800 were, on average, 2.5 cm shorter than those born before.
• This height reduction indicates a sustained deterioration in nutritional status and health conditions.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest a prolonged decline in the biological standard of living in Switzerland during a critical period of transformation.
• This decline aligns with economic hardships, early industrialization strains, and broader European anthropometric trends.
• The study highlights the impact of socio-economic changes on population health and living standards.