Section III, 1920 [7i] Trans. R.S.C. 



Physical Problems Which Arise in Studying the Influence of Atmos- 

 pheric Conditions Upon Health 



By A. Norman Shaw, D.Sc. 



Presented by Dr. A. S. Eve, D.Sc, F.R.S., F.R.S.C. 



(Abstract) 



The object of this paper is to attract more workers to a very 

 important field. The need for further investigation is great, and 

 emphasis is laid upon the necessity of eliminating the frequent errors 

 in certain experiments which are concerned with the gain or loss of 

 heat. Examples and advice are given, particularly with reference to 

 the proper discrimination between conflicting factors, to the treatment 

 of humidity questions, and to the determination of the characteristics 

 of hygroscopic surfaces. 



The following list of nine problems requiring attention are 

 suggested as leading to research which could be undertaken in any 

 laboratory, and from which "results" would be almost certain. 

 Comments and some details in regard to the general object and the 

 possible procedure are given in each case. 



1. The variation of aqueous vapour pressure from characteristic 

 hygroscropic substances with changing external temperature. 



2. The variation of the internal temperature with the difïerence 

 in aqueous vapour pressure between that of the surface and the sur- 

 rounding air, for small volumes of hygroscopic materials. 



3. The influence of the irregularity of a hygroscopic surface upon 

 its vapour pressure. 



4. Simple methods of measuring total heat emission. 



5. The influence of turbulence and incident radiation upon 

 instruments for measuring the rate of heat loss from bodies. 



6. The improvement of the physical apparatus designed for the 

 calorimeter experiments on metabolism. 



7. The applications of the atmometer. 



8. The influence of atmospheric conditions upon the electrical 

 state of a surface. 



9. The development of electrical hygrometers for precision work. 



Note — This paper is printed in extenso in the Transactions of the Royal Cana- 

 dian Institute, Toronto. 



