[Mathematical considerations concerning the height/weight tables of Maaser (author's transl)].

The height/weight relation of human growth as given in the tables of Maaser (1974) and other authors shows a loosely linear behaviour from the second year up to puberty when plotted in semilogarithmic coordinates (Krüger 1975). Basing on this property mathematical tests are discussed to include the first year of life in the representation of the height/weight relation by adding but one term to the linear equation in the semilogarithmic system. After less successful suggestions a modified form of the exponential function was found to meet requirements relatively well as is shown by the results of nonlinear regressions for male and female following the Paul-method. In a second attempt, the more distinct linear course from about 6 1/2 years on is used as a basis for approximation by adding a function for the difference values against the height/weight tables. Results of the Paul-method are given and compared with the first test.