The Clinical Application of Heat 73 



Conclusion 



Thus, although some progress has been made during the 

 past few years in the assessment of the physical factors govern- 

 ing the clinical application of radiant heat, and in its quantitative 

 measurement, very much remains to be done. In particular, the 

 physical details and clinical significance of the absorption proc- 

 esses of various wave lengths in the tissues needs careful study. 

 However, the most important problem of the clinical application 

 of heat in general is the determination of limits of tolerance, 

 together with the study of the relative therapeutic value of heat 

 dosages of different magnitude. It is likely that, in this field of 

 quantitative dosage, radiant heat will be found to be the method 

 of administration for which quantitative control can most easily 

 be achieved. 



The work described in this paper on the physical factors 

 governing the clinical application of heat constitutes a part of a 

 general investigation of methods of administration, and of the 

 effects of heat treatment carried out in the Nuffield department 

 of clinical medicine, Oxford University, and it is a pleasant 

 duty to thank the director of this department,. Professor L. J. 

 Witts, for his interest and help at all stages of the work. 



References 



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2 Brown, G. M. and K. Mendelssohn (1944) Brif. Med. J. 1, 391. 



3 Evans, D. S. and K. Mendelssohn (1944) Brit. Med. /. 2, 811. 



4 Evans, D. S. and K. Mendelssohn (f945) Proc. Roy. Soc. Med. 38 



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