982 REPORT—1890. 
convey the diaphragmatic movements. Midway between the umbilicus and the 
pubes very variable results appear, a large proportion of cases, whether male or 
female, showing that respiratory movements at this lower level are no longer con- 
veyed distinctly to the surface except when the abdomen is particularly firm. 
Just below the umbilicus the most characteristic results are to be noticed, 
according to which the tracings have been divided into the following groups:— 
1. From male cases, a group showing free movement below the umbilicus— 
to this group most of the men belong. A smaller group of males, mostly with soft 
abdominal walls or contents, exhibits only slight movement. 
2. Of women attired and corseted in the ordinary manner, but having the dress 
completely loosened during the application of the stethograph, there is a large 
group which shows greatly diminished movement below the umbilicus. On the 
other hand, a very small group of young women (corset-wearers) shows free 
movement below the umbilicus. 
3. Of women who habitually wear no corset, and who are of all ages, there is 
a large group showing free movement below the umbilicus in no way less marked 
than in male cases. On the other hand, a small group (two cases) with slight 
soft abdominal walls and contents, but habitually wearing no corset, shows only a 
trifling degree of movement just below the umbilicus. 
Thus, so far as the present investigation has yet proceeded, it wholly fails to 
confirm the view commonly put forth in physiological text-books, that there is a 
naiural difference between the sexes in regard to respiratory movements, 
3. A new Spirometer, By. W. F. Staniey, F.G.S. 
This instrument is constructed upon the principle of the class of gas meters 
used for testing, but as the quantity of air to be measured is very small, or about 
200 cubic inches only, the construction of the instrument is made very light and 
delicate, so that a pressure equal to ‘2 inch of water is sufficient to overcome the 
inertia of the mechanical parts of the instrument, which consist of a balanced hand 
and a short train of watch wheels. The air acts upon a set of light cellular fans, 
which are placed round an axis partly placed in water. The expiration is con- 
ducted by the mouthpipe to near the axis of the fans, and passes beneath the fans 
on one side of the axis only. By this means the fans are consecutively floated 
up by the pressure of the water on the air. The action is constant, so that 
resistance to the intrusion of the breath is not greater at one time than another, 
as it is with the pneumatic spirometer, and it is impossible for any air to escape 
until measured. ‘The index hand becomes fixed when the muscular power of the 
lungs ceases to expire air at a pressure of ‘2 water inch. The apparatus registers: — 
about 10 per cent. more air expired than the -best-made Hutchinson apparatus 
made upon the pneumatic principle. The hand is brought back to zero by pressing, 
a button connected with a pressure spring on the front of the instrument. 
A, Report of the Anthropometric Laboratory Committee. 
See Reports, p. 549. 
5. Diagrams for Reading-off Indices. By Dr. WiLBERFoRcE SMITH. 
To ascertain easily and quickly the percentage relation between two numbers. 
is the aim of the diagrammatic method described in this communication. The 
method is not less applicable to other numerical records than to those of 
anthropometry, but it is in regard to the latter that the author has felt and sought 
to supply a need. It occurs to the subject himself of nearly every anthropometric 
investigation, to inquire kow his weight, breathing capacity, &c., compare with 
an average or mean standard; and when the investigator seeks to make the 
best use of large numbers of records, the labour and time involved in working out 
i. 
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