Summary and Discussion 329 



also says (page 24) . However we must say that in some cases it 

 seems to be due simply to the cold, to wet feet, etc. 



The combination of these phenomena is always that which has 

 most astonished and terrified the travellers; to these phenomena 

 is due the old comparison which has given its significant name to 

 mountain sickness, mareo. 



Secretions. Secretory disturbances are not very important; 

 their relation of effect to cause with the act of ascent is far from 

 demonstrated. If there is an exaggerated flow of perspiration, the 

 violent exercise and the direct action of the rays of the sun are 

 sufficient explanation for that. The decrease in urinary secretion 

 may be the consequence of the same causes, but several travellers 

 see in it the direct effect of lofty regions. Besides, no exact meas- 

 urement has been taken, nor has any chemical analysis been made. 



Respiration. Respiration which is more frequent, shorter, then 

 difficult, broken, and uneasy has been experienced and noted by 

 everyone. Oppression is often accompanied by pains in the chest. 

 This, along with exaggerated fatigue, is the first manifestation of 

 mountain sickness. Animals are not immune. We have seen what 

 importance has been attached to the increased respiratory rate by 

 the theorists who have considered the question; we shall return to 

 it in a moment. 



The observations of M. Lortet (page 111) have fixed the modi- 

 fications in the respiratory rhythm caused by the altitude: the 

 amplitude decreases if the number increases. Vivenot in his appa- 

 ratuses has also noted this (page 280) . 



As to the consequences, in regard to respiration, of a permanent 

 sojourn in lofty places, the data reported seem to contradict these 

 results. To quote only the most recent authors, M. Jaccoud states 

 that the number and the amplitude of the respirations increase on 

 the Engadine (page 297) . Drew also finds "the respiration more 

 rapid and more ample" (page 295) . M. Armieux reaches the same 

 result in regard to number; moreover, he reports an increased 

 respiratory capacity in the hospital attendants at Bareges. Every- 

 one seems to agree on the question of frequency; but that of 

 amplitude requires additional research. The same thing is true, 

 for greater reason, if we take up the question of races (page 301). 



Circulation. The acceleration of the pulse, though it has not 

 been noted by all travellers, like the digestive and respiratory 

 disturbances, is no less constant. One can verify this, even though 

 no feeling of discomfort attracts the attention. While I was making 

 the very modest ascent of Nivolet (1558 meters) near Chambery 

 (269 meters) , my pulse rate and that of all the other persons who 



