RELEASE OF ABSORBED NITROGEN 350 



a pause, more slowly to normal pressure. The principle under- 

 lying this plan is that the discharge of nitrogen from the start 

 of decompression is at the maximum rate consistent with safety. 

 The rate of discharge, of course, depends on the gradient of 

 pressure between venous blood and alveolar air. This gradient 

 is kept as steep as possible, and there is, therefore, a maximum 

 elimination by the lungs. 



