APPENDIX. UPON BODY TEMPERATURE. 425 



F._UPON BODY TEMPERATURE. 



The temperatures given in the following table were taken at the sugges- 

 tion of Dr. W. Marcet, F.R.S., with a Hicks' patent clinical registering 

 thermometer, graduated to fifths of degrees, of the kind which is now almost 

 invariably employed ; and the observations were made exclusively upon 

 myself, by placing the bulb of the thermometer as far back under the tongue 

 as was convenient, and allowing it to remain there (the mouth being closed) 

 for ten to twelve minutes. In most cases the observations were repeated, 

 though I find in practice that the highest obtainable temperature is regis- 

 tered within ten minutes. 



My temperature is slightly lower than that which is considered the 

 standard (namely 98° "4 Faht.), and the mean of a large number of observa- 

 tions taken midway between meals would probably be close to 98° '3 (pro- 

 vided the observations were made at the same part of the body). The 

 extremes of the temperatures given in the table are both higher and lower 

 than I have remarked (upon myself) on any other occasions. 



After the first experiences upon Chimborazo were over, no effect was 

 observed that could be attributed to diminished pressure, and the most severe 

 cold that we experienced seemed scarcely to exert any influence. The low 

 readings on the summits of Cayambe (97° "1) and Chimborazo (96° "3) must 

 be ascribed to exertion and to abstinence from food, and principally to the 

 latter cause. The following details, given in chronological order, will render 

 any further remarks unnecessary : — 



Nov. 21, 28 ; Dec. 10, 23, 1879 (98-05-98-4).— The readings at King- 

 ston, Colon, Guayaquil, and Guaranda were all taken indoors, before break- 

 fast. With air temperature ranging from 57° to 80°, and barometer 21*990 

 to 30'000 inches, bodily temperature varied only one-third of a degree Faht. 



Dec. 27 (98*4). — In tent, first camp on Chimborazo, After breakfast, 

 and before active exertion. 



Dec. 28 (100*4). — In tent, second camp on Chimborazo. The recorded 

 temperature is probably considerably lower than that which was experienced 

 in the previous night. In the next six days I ate much less than usual ; 

 and by 



Jan. 2, 1880, temperature was reduced to 97*9, at the second camp. 



Jan. 8 (98*4). — In tent. Four days after the first ascent of Chimborazo, 

 temperature had returned to its ordinary level, and deviated very slightly 

 from it during the next three months. 



Jan. 29 (98*45). — Indoors, two hours after dinner. 



