des Agens Physique sur la Vie, 307 



further find them characterised by a consumption of air in 

 union with their heat, Sfo as to unite these two functions, 

 and thus render them dependent upon the same organs. 

 Dr. Edwards has further shown, that from birth to maturity 

 the production of heat goes on increasing with the consump- 

 tion of air. And thus age (as well as the seasons) has 

 been shown to be a modifier of animal heat ; for, as the hot 

 season advances, the consumption of air becomes diminished, 

 and \vhen the cold sets in, it increases ; and this decrease ancf 

 increasie are accompanied by corresponding developeraent^ 

 of heat. 



In cases of fainting, of hysteric and asthmatic fits, the 

 principle here laid down, as to the balance between the air 

 consumed and heat, is instinctively acted upon by the most 

 ignorant persons, who open all the doors and windows to 

 admit cola air, and dash cold water in the patient's face. 

 The addition or continuance of heat increases the affection. 

 The application of cold produces instant relief. The state 

 of asphyxia is relieved, the senses return, the pulse beats at 

 the wrist, and the respiration goes on naturally. The cooling 

 renders the air, unfit before, fitted for the purposes of life. 



The effects of temperature upon the respiratory move- 

 ments ai*e indicated also in those constitutional changes 

 which diminish the production of heat and the consumption 

 of air. Organic affection of the heart or lungs may produce 

 this change, which entails the necessity of a change of cli- 

 mate, or an alteration of temperature artificially, to restore 

 the balance between the air and the animal heat. 



A very elaborate and complete argument, and series of 

 experiments, are devoted to the subject of transpiration, 

 and the effect upon it of the influence derived from repose of 

 the body and sleep, by the air's motion or stillness, and by 

 the pressure of the atmosphere. 



We have, however, pursued the interesting points touched 

 upon so far as to render it impossible to enter at present 

 upon this portion of the work. The importance of the sub^ 

 ject demands a fuller investigation and report than we have 

 now room for ; and we must, therefore, defer it to another 

 opportunity. 



