Mountain Journeys 109 



did not complain of it and M. Loppe could run when he got near 

 the summit. (P. 86.) 



Examination of the pulse rate gave the following results: 



Chamounix Grands-Mulets Mont Blanc 

 1000 meters 3000 meters 4800 meters 



Carrier, guide 116 



Couttet, guide 96 



Tournier, guide 96 



Payot, guide 92 



Loppe, traveller 88 



I now come to the two ascents of Mont Blanc which were note- 

 worthy from the standpoint that interests us because for the first 

 time the whole combination of physiological phenomena was 

 studied with the precision instruments used in laboratories. Dis- 

 turbances of circulation and respiration were thus determined in 

 the conditions which the present exactness of physiological re- 

 search demands. Besides, these observations serve as a basis for 

 an entirely new theory of mountain sickness, which will be 

 discussed in its proper place. 



M. Lortet 149 begins with a rapid historical survey of the symp- 

 toms felt by the most celebrated travellers. Then, before beginning 

 the account of his journey, he lets escape the precious confession 

 of an incredulity of which I have often heard Alpine travellers 

 boast, even those who had made the most difficult ascents: 



However, in spite of so many data and proofs reported by these 

 distinguished men worthy of credence, I had been a little incredulous 

 and I could not help believing that imagination played a great part in 

 the production of these phenomena. On the main range of Monte 

 Rosa I had often ascended heights of more than 4300 meters without 

 any difficulty and without the least discomfort, and I could not believe 

 that 500 meters more were enough to affect an organism which had 

 stood the test very well up to this altitude. Now I am forced to 

 admit it, I have been convinced de visu, and even a little at my 

 expense, of the very real existence of symptoms which, above this 

 altitude, attack anyone who breathes and particularly anyone who 

 moves in this rarified air. (P. 11.) 



He then comes to the account of his first ascent with Dr. 

 Marcet, August 16, 1869. I copy the important points of his descrip- 

 tion, which is remarkable for its exactness and moderation: 



Up to the Grands-Mulets (3050 meters), where we arrived at 3 

 o'clock to pass the night, we were well; no one felt the least discom- 

 fort; we all had excellent appetites; but already our instruments 

 announced serious disturbance of circulation, respiration, and espe- 

 cially calorification, (heat production) 



