24 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. 59 
A reference to the table on page 27 will show that, so far as these 
data reach, no clear difference is appreciable between the pulse-rate 
of the youngest and oldest adults examined. The series, however, 
does not comprise many individuals above 55 years of age (esti- 
mated), and is in general too limited for definite conclusions. One 
point is evident, and that is the fact that age effects on the pulse- 
rate up to the fifty-fifth year, if they exist, are irregular at the 
Oasis. 
A more marked relation was detected between the pulse-rate and 
the stature. Taking the healthy adults up to 50 years of age, the 
15 men of the highest stature give an average pulse-rate 2.9 beats 
higher than the 20 of the lowest stature. The details given on the 
table on page 28 show especially the frequent occurrence of sub- 
average pulse-rate in those of short height. The association of a 
higher average pulse-rate with tall statures has been observed in 
whites x and also in Indians, 2 so that it is probably a more or less 
irregular but prevalent physiological condition. What is the real 
direct cause of the pulse acceleration in those of tall stature, is as 
yet somewhat problematical. 
Still another condition inquired into was the relation of the pulse- 
rate to vigor, as indicated by the tests of strength. The 18 weakest 
but healthy men gave the average pulse-rate of 74.5, the 16 strongest 
75.4. Both of these figures are curiously below the general average 
(=76). The difference between the two series is small, but there 
are indications that it is not accidental (see table on page 28). The 
matter is, however, complicated by the fact that in many instances 
greater muscular strength corresponds with taller stature. Some 
further light will be thrown on these points by the results of tests 
of other functions. 
The relation of pulse to respiration and body temperature will be 
referred to under these headings. 
RESPIRATION 
The respiration-rate averages in the healthy Kharga men, as seen 
from the figures below, 18.4 per minute, which is slightly above the 
general averages in both the whites and the Indian. 3 The difference, 
l Volkmann, A. W. : Die Haemodynamik nach Versuchen, 8, 1850, p. 429 
et seq. 
2 Hrdlicka, A. : Physiological and Medical Observations, etc., p. 141 et seq. 
8 Compare data in Vierordt, H., Anatomische, Physiologische und Physi- 
kalische Daten und Tabellen, 8. Jena. 1893, p. 166. Also Smith, E. : Trans. 
Roy. Med. & Chir. Society, London, Vol. 39, 1856. 
