In a message dated 97-12-18 09:55:58 EST, you write:

<< Secular trend is readily
 observable in many growth variables -- wherever DIETS have improved so that
 nutrition is no longer limiting on human growth, and wherever HEALTH has
 improved by any means (immunizations, antibiotics, insect-vector
 eradication, draining of swamps, improved sanitation, clean water supplies,
 sewage treatment, etc. etc. etc., even better emotional health, such as the
 end of a civil war).  When inadequate diet, disease, and emotional stress
 are removed as limiting factors on human growth, children are able to reach
 their genetic potential for growth. >>


Kathy, my query is this:  Have humans ever experienced long-term experience of
the absence of all the external limiters on growth and development mentioned
above plus
 the internal factors we know help humans reach potential like normative
parenting (normal breastfeeding of 2.5-7 yrs, co-sleeping to maximize skin-on-
skin as well as nutritional intake, and in-arms care to best maximize brain
and emotional development)?  This is the thesis I am writing; it seems to me
that humans have had one set of factors (the normative parenting) then another
(the environmental factors) but never the two in conjunction.  It may be that
after a few generations of having both experiences, we may see a further
extension of the apparent limit on human development.

Am I way off base here?  Your ideas are appreciated.

Joy Berry-Parks            "Childhood decides."    Jean Paul Sartre
LLLL, anthropology apprentice
Attachment Parenting Group of AR