TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY 



73 



to take into consideration the atmospheric humidity, and this alone 

 vitiated their conclusions. 



Our own observations agree with those who have failed to show 

 any change in the bodily temperature in passages to and from 

 the tropics and in residence therein, provided that the individuals 

 observed were normal. 



Further, we have failed to observe any difference in the tempera- 

 ture between well-nourished healthy natives and Europeans, and 

 with due allowance for individual and seasonal differences and the 

 effects of exercise and clothing. 



In previous editions we have consumed much space with discus- 

 sions as to the pulse-rate, and so as not to weary the reader, we 

 may say that we do not believe that there is any change in the pulse- 

 rate of normal Europeans on entering or residing in the tropics, nor 

 is there any appreciable difference between them and natives. 



Bussiere recently has invited attention to the action of cold on 

 tropical natives brought straight to temperate climates, which 

 tends to produce attacks of malaria, liver troubles, and inflammation 

 of the bronchi and lungs. He especially lays stress on temporary 

 albuminuria yielding to treatment in some one to three weeks. 



Effect on Respiration.^ — ^As we have no personal experiments to 

 record with regard to respiration, we give the work of other 

 observers. 



Rattray studied very fully the influence of tropical climates on respiration, 

 and gives a table showing their effect on the capacity of the chest, as indicated 

 by the spirometer, on a voyage from England to Bahia and back. The 

 average of twelve observations is as follows (hygrometer indicates the difEer- 

 ence between the wet and dry bulb ol a Mason's hygrometer) : — 



Number of Persons, 



12 



Temperature 

 65° F., 



Hygrometer 

 2-5° F. 



Temperature 



78° F., 

 Hygrometer 

 4° F. 



Temperature 



83° F., 

 Hygrometer 

 4° F. 



Temperature 

 65° F., 



Hygrometer 

 1-5° F. 



Capacity of the 

 chest as shown by 

 spirometer 



256-083 



280-75 



287-416 



260-25 



Gain or loss 





+ 24-833 



+ 6-5833 



-26-333 



Percentage gain 



12*24 





The increased capacity, according to Rattray, is not due to any actual 

 increase in the capacity of the size of the chest, but to a diminished quantity 

 of blood in the lungs, which he considers has been diverted to the excited 

 and congested skin and liver. 



His results may be summarized by saying that the vascularity of the lungs 

 is reduced by 23 fluid ounces, and owing to diminished number of respirations 

 7-5 per cent, less air is used daily, and i-i ounces less carbon, and 4-5 per cent, 

 less aqueous vapour excreted. 



With regard to these observations of Rattray, he is apparently supported 

 by all observers as to the increase in capacity when Europeans enter the 



