C 590 3 
XXXII. An Aecount of some Experiments on Animal Heat, By 
John Davy, M. D. F. R, S. 
Read February 17, 1814. 
Th E recent inquiries of Mr. Brodie have rendered question- 
able the different prevailing hypotheses relative to animal 
heat, and have shewn that fresh investigation is necessary, 
before we can expect to arrive at any accurate theory. 
In the present uncertain state of our knowledge, three cir- 
cumstances are particularly deserving of attention, viz. the 
relative capacities of venous and arterial blood for heat, their 
comparative temperatures, and the temperatures of different 
parts of the animal body. 
On the first of these subjects, we possess only the experi- 
ments of Dr. Crawford, which I believe have not yet been 
repeated, notwithstanding they form the basis of his hypo- 
thesis. 
On the second, little inquiry has been made, and especially 
of late years, since the improvement of the thermometer. 
And on the third, the observations that have been collected 
are very few in number, and with the exception of those of 
Messrs. Hunter and Carlisle, are scarcely, perhaps, de- 
serving of confidence. 
Such were the inducements that led me to the consideration 
of each of these subjects apart, and to endeavour to acquire by 
experiment, some more certain knowledge respecting them. 
