64 
PEOFESSOE TYNDALL ON THE ABSOEPTION AND 
was interposed between me and the experimental tube being partially opened, I 
breathed through it slowly into the latter until the mercury gauge of the pump was 
depressed 15 inches. I had, at the time, two assistants, C. A. and R. C., and they 
subsequently breathed into the experimental tube the same quantity as myself. In the 
following Table the absorption produced by the breath of each is stated. 
Action of the Products of Respiration on Radiant Heat. 
Initials of person’s name. 
Absorpti 
J. 
T 
. . . 62 
J. 
T 
. . . 62 
R. 
C 
. . . 66 
R. 
C 
. . , 68 
J. 
T. again . . . 
. . . 59 
J. 
T 
. . . 59 
R. 
C 
. . . 63 
C. 
A 
. . . 62 
J. 
T 
. . . 60-5 
The absorption of dry air on the day that these results were obtained was found to 
be 1. The same dry air inhaled, underwent a chemical change which augmented its 
ahsorptive energy at least 60 times. I give this as a minor limit, and will not say how 
much I regard it as falling short of the truth. 
The day afterwards the following results were obtained, the same amount as before 
being exhaled : — 
Initials. 
Absorption 
J. T. ... 
.... 66 
R. C. ... 
.... 62 
J. T. ... 
.... 56 
R. C. . . . 
.... 59 
In all cases R. C., who is the smallest and least robust man of the three, appeared to 
have the advantage. I will only add a few results obtained on the 6th of October, the 
quantity of air expired on the occasion depressing the mercurial column 5 inches. 
Initials. Absorption. 
J. T 33-5 
R. C 35 
R. C. After half a glass of Trinity Audit Ale 41 
Again 35 
After a teaspoonful of brandy 35 
After chewing and swallowing a small quantity of onion .... 40 
After taking the ale and brandy my assistant washed his mouth and gargled his throat 
several times with cold water. I give these results merely as illustrative of one of the 
