404 



RESPIRATION. 



pacity, is that it bears a definite relation to stature, without 

 being affected in a very marked degree by weight, or the 

 circumference of the chest. This is especially remarkable, as 

 it is well known that height does not depend so much upon 

 the length of the body, as the length of the lower extremities. 



It has been ascertained that for every inch in height, be- 

 tween five and six feet, the extreme breathing capacity is in- 

 creased eight cubic inches. 



The following table shows the mean results of the im- 

 mense number of observations on which this conclusion is 



Progression of the Vital Capacity Volume with the Stature. 



Age has an influence, though less marked than stature, 

 upon the extreme breathing capacity. As the result of 4,800 



1 Op. cit., p. 1072. The increase in breathing capacity, part passu with an 

 increase in height, was mentioned by Herbst (loc. cit.\ but Hutchinson was the 

 first to make any extended observations, and give any definite information on 

 this point. 



