DR. DAVY ON THE TEMPERATURE OF MAN. 336 



The majority of these results (the mean temperature of the whole being 98*1) seem 

 to prove, that the amount of heat is reduced by a full meal. In the observer's case, 

 as in most others, drowsiness followed this meal, thus approximating the condition 

 of the animal system to that which precedes sleep. On particular occasions, when a 

 larger quantity of wine than usual was taken, the reduction of temperature was 

 commonly most strongly marked. A light meal, such as that of breakfast, consisting 

 of tea, with a portion of toasted bread with butter, and often an egg, has had little 

 effect in depressing or altering materially the temperature. It may be noticed, as 

 regards the habits of the observer, in connexion with the observations on temperature 

 made at a late hour, that after dinner he never took solid food, only two or three 

 cups of tea, and this about 8 p.m. 



The preceding observations, generally considered, appear to indicate clearly that 

 the temperature of man, as determined in the manner described, is like the animal 

 functions and secretions, constantly fluctuating within certain limits ; and like them, 

 observing in its fluctuation a certain order, constituting as it were two series ; one 

 regular, as the diurnal, connected with rest and refreshment from rest ; the other, 

 casual or accidental, depending on varying circumstances of irregular occurrence, as 

 exercise, mental exertion, exposure to heat, and the contrary. 



As the observations brought forward have been made on one individual, the infe- 

 rences from them as regards extended application, can be held to be only probable, 

 but probable, I cannot but think, in a high degree, the average temperature of the 

 observer being nowise peculiar ; and the results moreover being what might be ex- 

 pected reasoning on the subject, taking for data the proportions of oxygen which have 

 been ascertained to be consumed, and of carbonic acid evolved in respiration, at 

 different periods of the twenty-four hours, and under different circumstances. 



Should observations similarly made on others present the like results (and I 

 cannot but be confident that they will), more particular inferences may be drawn 

 from them, especially in conjunction with respiration and the heart's action, not 

 without interest to physiology; and they may admit of important practical ap- 

 plication to the regulation of clothing, the taking of exercise, the warming of 

 dwelling-rooms, in brief, to various measures conducive to comfort, the prevention 

 of disease, and its cure. A step in advance is made, if it is only determined, as I 

 believe it to be, that in the healthiest condition of the system, there is danger attend- 

 ing either extreme, either of low uniform temperature, or of a high uniform tempera- 

 ture, and that the circumstances which are proper to regulate variability within 

 certain limits, not prevent it, are those which conduce most to health, as well as to 

 agreeable sensation, enjoyment and length of life. 



The Oaks, Ambleside, 

 May 1, 1845. 



