mesomorfia

Mesomorfia is an obsolete term used in the field of physical anthropology to describe the supposed ideal or intermediate form of human body proportions. It was first coined in the late 19th century and was popularized by eugenicist and anthropologist Otto Ammon in his 1891 book "Die Ausrottung der Wilden in Indien".

Proponents of the concept of mesomorfia argued that the ideal human body type was characterized by a proportional limb length, with the arms roughly equal in length to the legs, and a relatively small torso. This body type was seen as a sign of superior genetic quality and was often associated with physical strength, intelligence, and athleticism.

The concept of mesomorfia was used to justify racist and exclusionary policies, particularly in Germany during the early 20th century. Anthropologists and eugenicists used the concept to claim that certain ethnic groups had "inferior" body types, which were often seen as linked to their supposed racial or national characteristics.

However, the concept of mesomorfia has been largely discredited as a pseudoscientific theory. Modern physical anthropology recognizes the diversity of human body proportions and rejects the idea of a single "ideal" form. Furthermore, the notion of a link between body shape and intelligence or racial characteristics has been thoroughly debunked by scientific evidence and is no longer supported by the majority of the scientific community.

Today, the concept of mesomorfia is mainly of historical interest, serving as a cautionary example of the dangers of using flawed or pseudoscientific theories to justify social and cultural prejudice.