ORGANIC MATTER OF HUMAN BREATH. 237 



The quantity of ammonia arising from the destruction 

 of organic matter also varies somewhat, possibly from the 

 oxidation of albuminous particles by the process of respira- 

 tion ; but it may be noticed that, in healthy persons, there 

 is a remarkable uniformity in the total quantity of am- 

 monia obtained by the process. Amongst adults the 

 maximum quantity per lOO minims of the fluid is 0*45, 

 and the minimum is 0'35. 



It is not easy to estimate the total quantity of organic 

 matter thus got rid of by the lungs of even healthy 

 persons. 



We are told by Messrs. Wanklyn and Chapman that 

 every part of organic ammonia discovered corresponds 

 to about 10 parts of albuminous matter; but, on the 

 other hand, the quantity of aqueous vapour carried off 

 by the breath varies with age and season. If, however, 

 we take the ordinary quantity of this fluid for an adult as 

 about 10 oz. in the 24 hours, and the average amount of 

 ammonia given off as 0*4 of a millegram in every 100 

 minims of fluid, then we obtain the rough approximation 

 that in ordinary respiration about 0*2 of a gramme, or 3 

 grains, of organic matter is given off from a man^s lungs 

 in 24 hours. 



At first sight this seems to be a very minute quantity 

 to be thus disposed of; but when it is remembered that 

 the most impure water examined by the authors of the 

 process only contained 0*03 of a gramme of organic matter 

 per litre, it will be allowed that there is ample quantity to 

 permit of putrefaction, and to foster the growth of the 

 germs of disease. 



We cannot doubt that much of the disease which arises 

 as a consequence of overcrowding finds some of its sus- 

 tenance in the impure vapours arising from the lungs 

 and the general surface of the body. 



