468 EXPERIMENT STATION EECOED. 



to iK)isoniiig by a mercury vapor due to the use of mercury valves in connec- 

 tion witli the rei^nlation of the ventilating air current. 



Preliminary observations on metabolism during fever, T. M. Carpenter 

 and F. G. Benedict (Amcr. Jour. Physiol., 2.'f (1909), No. 2, pp. 203-233). — In 

 tlie experiments noted above a marked rise in temperature was observed and 

 the autliors studied the effect of this condition of fever upon metabolism, the 

 results being compared with those obtained in experiments under normal con- 

 ditions. 



According to the authors' summai-y, " the most striking feature regarding 

 these experiments is the marked and rapid temperature rise in certain of them. 

 This was in almost every instance accompanied by a marked increase in the 

 respiration rate. 



" In general the carbon dioxid excretion was apparently greater during fever 

 than during control periods. 



"The oxygen consumption during fever is in practically all cases noticeably 

 greater than during control. . . . 



" While the data show a slight tendency for the respiratory quotient to 

 increase during fever, the complications attending the ingestion of food, varia- 

 tions in muscular activity, and errors in oxygen determination do not warrant 

 any sweeping deductions from these data." 



The recorded data indicate tliat in general " there was an increase in the 

 water of vaporization during fever over that during the control period. Since, 

 however, the control experiments showed marked variations when compai'ed 

 with the fever experiments during periods when there was no appreciable fever, 

 it is obvious that here again we can not draw any sweeping deductions regarding 

 this point." 



As regards heat elimination, the authors state that " in view of the neces- 

 sarily tentative nature of all deductions made from these experiments, it has 

 not been deemed advisable to attempt to discuss the influence of fever on the 

 A'arious paths of heat elimination. . . . 



" Whatever doubt may exist with regard to the increase of carbon dioxid 

 production, oxygen consumption, water vaporization, and boat eliaiiination, there 

 can be no doubt that during these experiments there was a marked increase 

 in heat production. In practically every instance we tind, during the periods 

 when fever was at its highest, a very noticeable increase in the heat pro- 

 duction. . . . 



" Unfortunately the data do not throw any light upon the heat production 

 during the period when the body temperature remains constant nor during 

 defervescence of the fever. . . . From these few observations we might infer 

 that the heat production after the body temperature had ceased rising was 

 considerably less than during the period of temperature rise, but further experi- 

 ments on fever will be jilanned to include observations on this point." 



U. S. Government publications as sources of information for students of 

 home economics, C. F. Langworthy (Jour. Home Econ., 1 (1909), No. 3, pp. 

 227-252). — A summary and discussion of information regarding the publica- 

 tions of this Department and other branches of the Federal Government, which 

 contain data of interest to students of domestic science and domestic art. The 

 object of this paper is to assist students in using Government publications, 

 which are quite generally available in libraries of colleges of agriculture and 

 other educational institutions. 



Free or inexpensive pamphlet literature, Miriam Bikdseye (Jour. Home 

 Econ., ] (1909). No. 3, pp. 253. 2.5'/).— A list is given of free or inexpensive pam- 

 phlet literature which the author considers useful in connection with home 

 economics woik. 



