614 



was shown that whilst sudden changes of temperature cause imme- 

 diate variation in the quantity of carbonic acid, a medium degree of 

 temperature, as of 60, is accompanied by all the variations in the 

 quantity of carbonic acid, and that there is no relation between any 

 given temperature and quantity of carbonic acid at different seasons. 

 Whatever was the degree of temperature, the quantity of carbonic 

 acid, and all other phenomena of respiration, fell from the beginning 

 of June to the beginning of September. The author then described 

 the influence of atmospheric pressure, and stated that neither 

 temperature nor atmospheric pressure accounts for the seasonal 

 changes. 



The kinds of exertion which had been investigated were walking 

 and the treadwheel. Walking at two miles per hour induced an ex- 

 halation of 18*1 gr. of carbonic acid per minute, and at three miles 

 per hour of 25*83 grs. ; whilst the eifect of the treadwheel at Cold- 

 bath Fields Prison was to increase the quantity to 48 grs. per mi- 

 nute. All these quantities vary with the season, and hence the 

 author recommends the adoption of relative quantities, the compari- 

 son being with the state of the system at rest, and apart from the 

 influence of food. 



The apparatus and various drawings were exhibited. 



January 27, 1859. 

 Sir BENJAMIN C. BRODIE, Bart., President, in the Chair. 



Dr. John Hutton Balfour was admitted into the Society. 



In accordance with notice given at the last Meeting, the Right 

 Rev. the Lord Bishop of London was proposed for election and 

 immediate ballot. 



The ballot having been taken, his Lordship was declared duly 

 elected. 



The following communications were read : 



