346 



RESPIRATION. 



This table not only shows that the number and depth (volume) 

 of the respirations decrease with the elevation of the temperature, 

 but it also exhibits the indirect influence of temperature on the 

 excretion of carbonic acid, from its absolute quantity being con- 

 siderably diminished by the diminution of the number and extent 

 of the expirations ; in the meanwhile the per-centage amount of 

 this gas in the expired air is also decreased ; whence the elevation 

 of the temperature must necessarily influence the excretion of 

 carbonic acid by some other means than by diminishing the 

 mechanical functions of respiration. 



Vierordt has also determined similar relations in regard to the 

 quantities of water expired at different temperatures,* as may be 

 best seen in the following table : 



The degree of moisture of the atmosphere is not without influ- 

 ence on the respiratory functions, and especially on the excretion 

 * Abhandl. bei Begruiidung der k. sachs. Ges. d. Wiss. Leipzig, 1846. 



