Contribution to tlie Plnsiolog}' of Respiration under the Anttic Climate. 79 



to 76° 46' N. L., where it was laid up in winter quarters and remained 

 until the return voyage in July 1908. In these regions the climate 

 is distinctly arctic, i. e. there is a well-marked "dark period" and a 

 just as well-marked "light period"; a period when the sun did not 

 appear above the horizon at "Danmark Harbour" from November 

 1st to the middle of February, and a period when it did not sink 

 under the horizon at our quarters from the end of April till the 

 end of August. This is the great division-line in the arctic year. 

 The seasons vary and the conditions are complicated by the tem- 

 perature-movement, the annual period of which does not fall in line 

 with that of the light; but so far as the health of human beings is 

 concerned, this is of very little importance. 



I very soon found that the "dark period" had in several w^ays 

 a very distinct influence on the general condition and working capa- 

 city, although on the "Danmark Expedition", in contrast to most 

 other expeditions to polar regions, the darkness did not prevent us 

 going out to a considerable extent; short journeys on the sledge 

 were undertaken, and hunting, as also numerous walks for the sake 

 of fresh air and exercise; indoors also, sports were cultivated as far 

 the limited space permitted. 



The appetite in general was good; only one lost in weight during 

 the winter. On an average the bodily weight was greater in the 

 winter than in the summer half-year. 



For many sleep was difficult, broken and accompanied by 

 dreams; one often lay for hours without being able to fall asleep. 

 Heaviness followed in the morning, as if after a night on the watch; 

 endeavours during the day to make up for the sleep lost resulted 

 simply in a worse night afterwards. Whereas, under ordinary con- 

 ditions, a fall of the rectal temperature occurs during sleep, one 

 found here not rarely a rise in the winter, in agreement with the 

 above conditions; in one case, where the sleep was much broken, 

 this was indeed the rule. The contrast from the deep, heavy sleep 

 during the "off-watches" at sea was very striking Ч 



Both the desire and capacity for work were reduced, especially 

 the latter and especially for brain-work. As mentioned, one wakened 

 up heavy and indisposed, with the feeling which is not unknown 

 as "wooden"; one of the most energetic workers of the Expedition 

 used this expression in a conversation with me, after I had wantten 

 it down as characteristic of my own condition. The wish was present 



1 A contributor}' cause of this broken sleep was in various cases a frequently 

 occurring and irresistible desire to micturate, probably a direct result ot the 

 cold; nothing abnormal could be detected in the urine in any of the cases 

 examined. 



