324 



OR. DAVY ON THE TEMPERATURE OF MAN. 



These observations show an increase of lemperatui-e after sustained exertion of 

 mind. Though the increase is slight, yet I think it must be admitted to be decided, 

 comparing the mean (98"4) with the average result of the observations (97*92) made 

 at the same period of the twenty-four hours, when the attention was not roused, 

 when it was rather in a passive indolent state, as in reading merely for amusement, 

 or in the mechanical process of copying writing, both which seem to have, as is 

 indeed generally believed, rather a sedative influence than an exciting one ; and are 

 to the former very like what passive bodily exercise is to active muscular exertion. 



7. Of the Effect of taking Food on the Temperature. 



The following observations were made after rising from the dinner-table, at which 

 the observer commonly sat down at 5 o'clock, and partook pretty fully, using a 

 mixed diet, — never taking anything between the breakfast and dinner-hour, — and 

 using wine commonly at the latter meal, to the extent of three or four glasses, to the 

 exclusion of malt liquor. 



