90 BURF.ATT OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [butx. 34 



cent, by listening directly to the heart beats; in the older children 

 as a rule the radial pulse was examined, with the subject invariably 

 in a sitting position and quiet. Respiration was counted in the same 

 position and, wherever there seemed to be any danger of developing 

 nervousness, before taking the pulse. In general, every reasonal)le 

 care was used to obtain data only fi'om children in normal condition, 

 mentally and physically. None of the results of any examination 

 were tabulated or analyzed in the field, to avoid the formation of any 

 preconception; most of the conditions were learned by the writer only 

 while finishing the various tables and comparisons. 



As to the quality of pulse, it was found frequently in those under 3 

 or 4 years of age to be slightly irregular in rhythm; later on such 

 irregularities are rare. In a few instances a slight systolic hushing 

 sound was present, as it is in not a few white children, without appar- 

 ently any actual valvular defect. No organic lesion of any nature 

 was met with. 



Respiration was often found to be irregular, the child holding its 

 breath for a while and then, to compensate, breathing more rapidly 

 than on the average. This holding of the breath, which calls for 

 much patience on the part of the examiner, is subconscious and 

 occurs even in very young infants. 



The following table gives the main results as to the frequency of the 

 heart beat and some comparison with that in white children:" 



« For detail data see Appendix. 



