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This paper describes some of the folk norms or so-called "rules of thumb" that governed the making of tools and implements up to middle of the nineteenth century. These norms were established on the bases of intuition or through a long process of development by trial and error. In many instances dimensions arrived at on the basis of these norms have agreed with those established as optimal by means of biomechanical analysis.

After a brief review of the optical recording methods of movements, the use of gliding cyclograms in biomechanical analysis of work is discussed. The gliding cyclogram method consists in recording of sequent positions of the moving body segments on photographic film which is transported at a constant speed. The very short exposures are provided by a rotating slotted disk which is fixed in front of the lens of the cyclograph. Examples of hammer stroke investigations and study of its efficiency, determination of optimum height for wood splitting block and an activity analysis of flax scutcher are given.

This paper describes methods presently being used by the Research Staff of New York University to evaluate the important parameters of human body segments: mass, volume, center of mass and mass moment of inertia. Previous studies in the field are reviewed with regard to data obtained and subjects used in the investigations. Sources of difficulty in the proper solution are discussed in order to formulate the best procedure, followed by a description of the techniques now being employed. The paper concludes with a look into future applications of body segment parameter data.