78 J- LiNDHAKD. 



As these difficulties cannot be altogether eliminated from future 

 expeditions, we can scarcely expect any very great results from the 

 arctic field of work, until permanent stations are founded, where 

 it will be possible for men with scientific training to live and work 

 in these latitudes. 



An endeavour in this direction has for the rest been made with 

 the Danish Biological Station at Disco. 



For excellent assistance during the preparations for the Expedi- 

 tion, as also later in drawing up this report, I am indebted to Dr. 

 K. A. Hasselbalch, Director of the Physiological Laboratory of the 

 Finsen Institute, and Dr. Aug. Krogh, Lecturer in Physiology at the 

 Copenhagen University, who have always shown the greatest interest 

 in my work and helped me in many different ways. 



As it seemed little probable beforehand that my duties as 

 doctor to the Expedition would take up my time to any great ex- 

 tent, I considered it from the beginning as my main task to collect 

 observations, and as far as possible to undertake investigations ten- 

 ding to elucidate the influence of the arctic climate on the organism. 



I was therefore well-provided with instruments for the measure- 

 ment of temperature, for arteriometr}^ and the measurement of blood- 

 pressure as also for counting the blood corpuscles; lastly, I took 

 with me the necessary apparatus for making respiration experiments, 

 in the event that after learning the conditions I might find some 

 reason for using it. The apparatus for the analyses could in any 

 case be utilised for the determination of the carbonic acid tension 

 in the atmospheric air and in the surface-water, as well as for ils 

 true function, the analysis of the expired air. 



During the first autumn and winter I already began a series of 

 preparatory experiments in order to make myself thoroughly ac- 

 quainted with the instruments and methods; and after the first winter 

 I had resolved that, if the conditions permitted it, I should endeavour , 

 to obtain a series of respiration experiments, so distributed over the 

 year, that the true summer and winter periods as also the inter- 

 mediate periods would be represented. 



Before entering into the details of the respiration experiments, 

 I may briefly explain the reasons which led me so to distribute them, 

 that if an annual periodicity existed in the respirational pheno- 

 mena it would show itself; at the same time I may state my general 

 impression of the influence of the seasons on the health. 



In August 1906 the Expedition succeeded in taking the ship up 



