Prench National Institute, \ 55 



chemical experiments, what are the phEenomena of the torpor 

 which certain animals, such as marmots and dormice un- 

 dergo during winter, with respect to the circulation of their 

 blood, their respiration, and their irritability ; also to in- 

 quire what are the causes of this sleepj and why it is pecu- 

 liar to those animals. 



It is required that a precise detail be given of the ordinary 

 temperature of these animals, of the degree of cold neces- 

 sary for their torpor, of the natural temperature which they 

 retain during their lethargy, of the inv.t which is neces- 

 sary for them to resume their natural temperament when 

 they waken ; of the quickness of their pulse during the 

 two states ; of the quantity of oxygen which they consume 

 in a given time, both in their quick and torpid state; of 

 the profoundness of their torpor, both with respect to their 

 sensibility and to their simple muscular irritability : finally, 

 of the colour and the chemical state of their blood. 



The proposers of the prize do not require that the experi- 

 ments be made on all dormant animals ; only that they be 

 made with strictness on the kinds most easy to be procured. 



The prize will be a kilogramme of gold (about 3,400 

 francs). The memorials sent for competition must be re- 

 mitted to the secretaryship of the Institute before the first 

 Germinal, of the year 15. 



Conditions of the Competition. 



All persons excepting the members of the Institute are 

 admitted to the competition. 



No work that is sent to the competition is to bear the 

 name of the author, but only a sentence or device. 



It is allowed, if the writers choose, to attach a separate 

 and sealed note, which shall inclose, besides the motto or 

 device, the name and address of ihe author. This note is 

 not to be opened unless the piece obtain the prize. The 

 works destined ibr competition may be sent to the ofHce of 

 the secretary, franking the packet wliicli contains them. The 

 clerk of the secretaryship will give receipts for them. They 

 may also be addressed, carriage paid, to the perpetual secre- 

 taries of tb.e physical and mathematical sciences. 



The competitors are informed, that the lustifute will not 

 return any of the works which shall have been sent to the 

 competition. The authors shall liave liberty to take topiei 

 of them, if thev l)ave occasion. The administrative com- 

 mission of the institute will deliver the gold medal to the 

 bearer of the rc-ccipt. In case there ^hall have been no re- 

 ceipt 



