138 
On Sensible Temperature . 
[May 
counted for without any theory. And it is worthy of remark, that the very cir- 
cumstance on which the theory of the production of heat in the lungs is founded,— 
the absorption or fixing of oxygen by the blood, — is by some experimenters de- 
nied altogether. Messrs. Allen and Pepys found that the quantitv of oxygen con- 
sumed by an animal, is precisely that required to form the carbonic acid he exhales 
by union with the carbon of the blood. Another opinion which seems to unite both 
the above in some degree, is thatol Dr. Copland, who finds that the ganglionic nerves 
are the efficient organs in the production of animal heat. He, however, allows that 
lespiiation is also necessary to fit the arterial blood for giving out that heat which 
he supposes the above nerves, in their distribution to the arterial branches, extri- 
cate. He, in tact, regards it rather in the light of a vital secretion, than a chemi- 
cal phenomenon : and though this may be considered as cutting rather than untying 
the knot, yet, as far as regards the opinion of heat being extricated, in the course 
ot the circulation, from the blood by nervous influence, we must admit that it 
agrees well with, and explains a number of phenomena. But when we see so much 
difference of opinion amongst the first physiologists, we shall be satisfied that the 
subject is not yet understood, and that it requires a thorough re -investigation. 
In all attempts to enquire into general causes, the first step should be to ascer- 
tain the facts. Before we endeavour to explain any part of the economy of nature, 
we should have a clear idea of what it is we are to explain. Unless we know the 
lt V 5 n0t likely VVe sh;,]1 come to a right understanding 
ot the cause. Now it is singular enough, that there has never been a single at- 
f icr P th a T ° ™ ate the amouwt ot the heat generated in the human bodv-a 
c ct that must surprise every one ; for independent of the curiosity and interest of 
the question,— andthese are very great,— we shall be satisfied, if we reflect a little 
of the great importance of the subject, considered in a medical point of view The 
temperature of the human body, in a healthy state, is uniformly 98° Fall, or there- 
h T t ffere “ ce o1 ’. P erba P s > J % even less, being due to difference of 
constitution, and about 2 to climate— the inhabitants of warm climates having a 
mperature about - higher than those of cold countries. Now this temperature 
continues uniform (within the above limits) whatever the temperature or coolirw 
jAere*of *00 orof'imio wh j cllthe bod .y is immersed ; whether we are in anatmps* 
P eie of 50 , or of 100 ; whether m air, or water- The extraordinary fact of a mau 
remaining in an oven till a shoulder of mutton was roasted, gives l still greater 
™ k “°T ‘o char a substance, a beat of perhaps 500 • is So 
»ot , sufficient. r ° a ’ ^ « radu!,ll )’> cert “ i ” l y “*e heat of boiling water is 
Now the difference in the quantities of heat taken off under th^ 0 r* * 
cum stances is enormous. When the temperature of the air is inn* . dlt ! ereD f c ]f* 
giving out heat to the bodies immersed in it of temperature 9?° p ; ‘ S t 1 
we bring a thermometer standing at 93° into a gas th p F ° r f 
is 100, it is obvious the thermometer must rise 1W I te,u Perature of which 
40?^“' “ 'he cooling power of a gas of temperature ko-HwmKnk’atot 3 A 
perature of 98°, while immersed in the atmosphere at Ste f di ' y 
a portion of heat would be expended everv minute as would I “T' “f S “, 
the thermometer 30° or 40° ; yet in botl. ’tW cases ?h » ' b ? SH , ffi , c ‘ e ” t 10 mse 
steadily at lie same temperature. But the difference h ™ ““'T' ,’° dy 
?°t to notice winds, in which the rapidity of the Sin J m-f t i “ 
instances are on record of neonle in r,( v - C ° ng process is still greater, 
this sometimes in very low temperatures') farhnnr*™™^ behlg in the water ( and 
their health. Now thj conducting powel o°f walT i.' To ZIT T ff*? * 
that I suppose it is within bounds to say that it abstracts ,y . b ® yond . rhat of air ’ 
If a thermometer, heated 50° above the tenneraTure or . , ‘T* 
>t, the fall is s „ rapid, that the time in which the S 400 W f er > ke ,D,t> 
preciable. And indeed our feelings tell us this tr h o° ost ’ 1S scarcd >'/ p ' 
not immerse his body in water of a femnpvot * u- l 01 evei 7 °ue knows he dare 
ly innocent. Thus water at 31° or at 3 /no m w * Ich > as applied to air, is perfect- 
Tatures, might be borne in contact with arc '. lntoleral,le 5 air, of those tempe- 
riod. We see then, !h,t there " "mTZ'T for » certain pe- 
from the human body, under different jS? natl0n 111 the quantities of heat taken 
must be a great variation in the produM^ ^stances ; and consequently either there 
method of carrying off the superfluous li V i°- / 1Ht or tbere must be some 
rai ?e the temperature of * IT Z Uch . W °“ Id oth erwise accumulate and 
winch it is always known to remain. ' °°' c t ie Btandard temperature of 98% at 
