MOBILITY OF CHEST. 



39 



chests of correspondino- dimensions will give different volumes of air; therefore, the 

 absolute dimensions of the chest under certain conditions is not a guide to estimate 

 the volume of the vital capacity. We cannot, however, at present, assign aii}' reason 

 why the vital capacity should increase with the stature."^ 



Notwithstanding the influence of mobility in modifying the vital capacity, yet 

 stature, according to the same authority, always determines it ; so tliat, the height beino- 

 given, it is possible to predict the quantity of air that a healthy man shall be able to 

 expire ; and the rule is deduced that " for every inch of height, (from 5 feet to G feet,) 

 eight additional cubic inches of air, at 60° Fahr., are given out by a forced respiration."^ 



The conclusions announced by Hutchinson, with reference to the respiratory 

 functions, have been deservedly regarded as of high authority, though more extended 

 statistical researches have not, in every instance, confirmed them. It was liis opinion 

 that mobility of chest increased in arithmetical progression with increasing stature.^ 

 The tables next to be exhibited confirm the general accuracy of the statement, though 

 many irregularities are observable in the order of increase. Another very positive 

 assertion was, that the circumference of the chest has "an exact relation to the weio-ht. 

 increasing one inch for every ten pounds."^ The following tables show the result of 

 the investigation into the tenability of these two statements, the inquiry being confined 

 to the six principal nativities on the records. The figures relate exclusively to accepted 

 men. 



Tables showing the relation of height, girth of chest, and crpansion of chest to increasing weight in men 



of all ages from 18 /o 45 years. 



(a.) WHITE NATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, G,359 ACCEPTED MEN. 



' The spirometer, the stethosco}>c, and the scale-balance : their use in discriminating diseases of the chest, 8vo, liondou, 1852, 



- Op. cit., p. 154. Heubst of Giittiugen, ( Zfeber die capacitiit der lungen filr liift im ycsundcn und iraiilKen zuslandc. 

 Archiv. fiir auat. undpliysiolog., 1828, pp. 83-107 ;) Arxoi.d, ( Ueher die athmungs grosse des mensehen, Heidelberg, 1855 ;) and 

 BotiNET, (Application dit comptcur a f/aa a la mesure de la respiration, Comptes rendus do I'Acad. des. sci., t. xlii, p. 825, 

 ct t. xliii, p. 519,) each obtained resnlts from the spirometer mainly agreeing with those of Hutchinson. Herbst has a 

 qualifying remark upon the relation of iinlmouary capacity to stature. He says: "Persons of great height eau intro- 

 duce a larger quantity of air into their lungs ; but the result is not solely dependent upon the greater Iicight, l)ut is iu 

 close relationsliip with general strength and muscular force." Gould's researches corroborate Hutchinson's views as 

 to the relation of vital cajiacity to stature being more regular than it is to length of body ; but its relation to circum- 

 ference of chest he found to be much more obvious than Hutchinson's esporienco led him to anticipate, (/«ec«Jti7o2ton», 

 etc., pp. 482, 489.) 



' Op. cit., p. 197. 



* Op. cit., p. 248. 



