947 



vations in monthly sequence, accompanied by observations on the 

 pulse, respiration and atmospheric temperature. 



The following are the principal conclusions which seem to be 

 warranted by the results : — 



1. That the temperature of man within the tropics, on an average, 

 is nearly 1° higher than in a temperate climate, such as that of 

 England. 



2. That it is constantly fluctuating, in health, within a range of 

 from 1° to 2° in the twenty-four hours. 



3. That the order of its fluctuation is not the same as in England, 

 being lowest in the early morning, after the night's rest, and not as 

 in England, at night, before going to rest. 



4. That all exertion, whether of body or mind, except it be very 

 gentle, varies the temperature ; that gentle exercise, as carriage ex 

 ercise or slow walking, has a depressing influence. 



5. That between the temperature of the surface of the body and 

 that of the deep-seated parts, there is little difference, not exceeding 

 on the average 2° or 3°, and often less ; with which there appears 

 to be connected increased activity of the function of the skin and a 

 diminished action of the kidneys. 



6. That in a healthy state of the system, increase of temperature 

 from exercise or any other exciting cause, is of short duration, 

 rapidly subsiding on rest, and commonly followed by some depres- 

 sion, i. e. below its average degree. 



7. That in sea-sickness, except when severe, the tendency is to 

 equalization of temperature ; but when severe, to increase of tem- 

 perature, the marked effect of deranged health, with few if any 

 exceptions. 



8. That a sea voyage without sea-sickness, has also an equalizing 

 influence on the temperature, not preventing however its increase 

 with increase of atmospheric temperature, and its lowering with di- 

 minution of atmospheric temperature. 



The author expresses belief that the results obtained admit of 

 practical application in relation to health and disease : on this part 

 of the subject, however, as unsuitable to the occasion, he does not 

 dwell, reverting only to the circumstance pointed out in his former 

 paper and now confirmed, that variation, not equability of the tem- 

 perature of man within certain limits, however produced, is condu- 

 cive to health, presenting therein an instance of happy adaptation 

 as regards his mode of life and sphere of action. 



The Society then adjourned to the 16th pf May. 



May 16, 1850. 

 The EARL OF ROSSE, President, in the Chair. 

 The following papers v/ere read : — 



1. "On the Geographical Distribution of the Bidimi, a group of 

 terrestrial 3Iollusca ; and on the modification of their calcifying 

 functions according to the local physical conditions in which the 



1* 



