Proposes an economic-growth model that adheres to the salient features of the European economies during the millennium prior to the Industrial Revolution and shows how the Industrial Revolution, generated by the model, can be conceptualized as an escape from the Malthusian trap.

Examines the height and weight of West Point Cadets in the 19th Century and finds that their height was declining in the Antebellum Period. Confirms earlier findings based on Union Army soldiers. Finds also that the cadets were quite underweight by modern standards.

Argues that on the basis of evidence of British soldiers there was a threat of a Malthusian crisis on the eve of the Industrial Revolution.

The discovery of the New World enabled the nutritional status of the European populations to be maintained sufficiently to avoid a major Malthusian catastrophe as in prior centuries.