368 TRAVELS AMONGST THE GREAT ANDES, chap. xix. 



Three things were especially noticeable — {a) the suddenness with 

 which Ave were vanquished ; and {b) the simultaneous collapse 

 of the Carrels and myself ; although {c) Mr. Perring remained 

 unaffected. 



Before being overcome in this way, no symptoms were re- 

 marked in ourselves/ and during the attack the only external 

 indication that we were affected was given by laboured respiration, 

 accompanied by spasmodic gasps or gulps ; but conjoined there 

 was intense headache, and (what others have termed) an indescrib- 

 able feeling of illness, pervading almost the whole body. 



This attack, which came upon us so suddenly, passed away 

 very gradually, by such infinitesimal degrees that I am unable to 

 say when we entirely recovered from it. It seemed to arrive at 

 a maximum quickly, to remain equally intense for several hours, 

 and it then died away imperceptibly. While it lasted, there was 

 feverishness, marked acceleration in the rate of the pulse, and rise 

 in body temperature [pp. 49, 52]. Twenty -four hours after its 

 commencement there was a distinct improvement in the condition 

 of the Carrels ; the intensity of their headaches had diminished, 

 and the ' indescribable feeling of illness ' had disappeared. Twelve 

 hours earlier than this it was possible to satisfy our wants for air 

 by breathing through the nostrils alone. At 1 p.m. on Dec. 28, I 

 was able to keep my mouth shut during the ten minutes requisite 

 for taking my temperature. 



Thirty - six hours after the commencement of the attack, the 

 Carrels were much better, and became eager to continue explora- 

 tion. Anticipating that they might be adversely affected upon 

 sustaining further diminution in pressure, I directed them not to 

 endeavour to reach a great elevation [p. 53], but gave no reasons 



' Our animals, however, shewed decided siii:ns of exhaustion before pressure had 

 fallen to IT inches [see p. 46j, and they were nearly dead beat by the time they 

 arrived at the Second Camp (16-500 inches). 



If more attention had been paid to ourselves, I do not doubt that premonitory 

 symptoms would have been noticed. My excuse, or explanation, is given on 

 pp. 44, 51. I was taken unawares, not expecting to be affected so soon. 



