On Thu, 11 Jan 2001, Deanna Buck wrote:
> From vague memories of my anatomy and physiology class - we learned that the
> ability to walk is contingent on a very specific process of bone formation
> in the legs. Walking is impossible without this. And, if the bone
> formation is delayed, walking is delayed. Consequently, shorter people were
> suggested to walk sooner. (sorry I don't have a reference handy - maybe
> somebody else has heard of this)
>
> Since we are exchanging anecdotes, I was told that I walked at 7 months.
> Sounds almost impossible, but everyone in my family attests to it. My
> brother and sister however did not. I am only 5'1" (10 and 5 inches shorter
> than them).
>
Cross-culturally speaking,there are cultures where babies and infants
hardly come in contact with the ground because they are carried on their
parents back. They are not developmentally delayed.
I guess for some one may not hasten maturation.
Michael Sylvester,PhD
Daytona Beach,Florida
