GENERAL PART OF EXAMINATION. 63 



these subdivided into tenths of a degree. In this country the 

 Fahrenheit thermometer is generally used. It is graduated 

 into 212 degrees, each degree being subdivided into fifths. 

 Our preference for this latter instrument is largely tradi- 

 tional, and it is being displaced by the centigrade, which is 

 now almost universally employed in scientific work. 



The following simple formula will indicate how readilv 

 the Celsius scale may be converted into the Fahrenheit scale 

 and vice versa: 



Fahrenheit = 9-5 C + 32. 

 Celsius = 5-9 (F - 32)]. 



For veterinary practice a maximum thermometer should 

 be used, preferably a tested or compared instrument. The 

 thermometer should be inserted full length into the rectum, 

 which gives the best results, though in exceptional cases the 

 vagina is chosen. 



We should, of course, guard against being kicked by the 

 animal, and exercise care that the instrument does not break 

 and injure the mucous membrane. Before introducing the 

 thermometer, the column of mercury should be shaken down. 

 The use of water, saliva or oil facilitates insertion. We 

 should allow the instrument to remain in the rectum from 

 three to five minutes. 



Taking the bodily temperature once daily is of great 

 value during the course of an internal disease ; in important 

 cases the temperature should be registered twice a day (8 a. m. 

 and 5 p. m.). After diagnostic inoculations (tuberculin, 

 mallein), especially during the critical period, the temperature 

 should be recorded at least every two hours. Thermometry 

 is of great diagnostic importance during an outbreak of an in- 

 fectious disease, the elevation in temperature being often the 

 first symptom shown. By taking the temperature 

 once daily (best at evening), the infected 

 animals may be determined before further 

 symptoms of disease develop; [influenza, 



