﻿24 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. 59 



A reference to the table on page 27 will show that, so far as these 

 data reach, no clear difference is appreciable between the pulse-rate 

 of the youngest and oldest adults examined. The series, however, 

 does not comprise many individuals above 55 years of age (esti- 

 mated), and is in general too limited for definite conclusions. One 

 point is evident, and that is the fact that age effects on the pulse- 

 rate up to the fifty-fifth year, if they exist, are irregular at the 

 Oasis. 



A more marked relation was detected between the pulse-rate and 

 the stature. Taking the healthy adults up to 50 years of age, the 

 15 men of the highest stature give an average pulse-rate 2.9 beats 

 higher than the 20 of the lowest stature. The details given on the 

 table on page 28 show especially the frequent occurrence of sub- 

 average pulse-rate in those of short height. The association of a 

 higher average pulse-rate with tall statures has been observed in 

 whites x and also in Indians, 2 so that it is probably a more or less 

 irregular but prevalent physiological condition. What is the real 

 direct cause of the pulse acceleration in those of tall stature, is as 

 yet somewhat problematical. 



Still another condition inquired into was the relation of the pulse- 

 rate to vigor, as indicated by the tests of strength. The 18 weakest 

 but healthy men gave the average pulse-rate of 74.5, the 16 strongest 

 75.4. Both of these figures are curiously below the general average 

 (=76). The difference between the two series is small, but there 

 are indications that it is not accidental (see table on page 28). The 

 matter is, however, complicated by the fact that in many instances 

 greater muscular strength corresponds with taller stature. Some 

 further light will be thrown on these points by the results of tests 

 of other functions. 



The relation of pulse to respiration and body temperature will be 

 referred to under these headings. 



RESPIRATION 



The respiration-rate averages in the healthy Kharga men, as seen 

 from the figures below, 18.4 per minute, which is slightly above the 

 general averages in both the whites and the Indian. 3 The difference, 



^olkmann, A. W. : Die Haemodynamik nach Versuchen, 8°, 1850, p. 429 

 et seq. 



2 Hrdlicka, A. : Physiological and Medical Observations, etc., p. 141 et seq. 



3 Compare data in Vierordt, H., Anatomische, Physiologische und Physi- 

 kalische Daten und Tabellen, 8. Jena. 1893, p. 166. Also Smith, E. : Trans. 

 Roy. Med. & Chir. Society, London, Vol. 39, 1856. 



