DR. DAVY ON THE TEMPERATURE OF MAN WITHIN THE TROPICS. 
447 
Conclusions. 
The following’ are some of the conclusions that appear to be either proved or ren- 
dered probable by the preceding results, or by those given in the Tables appended, — 
supposing, as it is believed, that, were the observations extended to many individuals, 
no material discrepancy would be witnessed. 
1. That the average temperature of man within the tropics is a little higher, nearly 
1°, than in a temperate climate, such as that of England. 
2. That within the tropics, as had before been found in cooler regions, the tempe- 
rature of the body is almost constantly fluctuating, — varying according to the variety 
of agencies to which it is subject, some of which are distinct, others obscure. 
3. That the order of fluctuation observed there is different from that in a cooler 
climate, the minimum degree of temperature being commonly early in the morning, 
after the night’s rest, and not at night previous to going to rest, 
4. That all exertion, whether of body or mind, except it be very gentle, coming 
under the designation of passive rather than active exercise, has a heightening effect 
on the temperature, while the latter, the passive kind, has rather a lowering tendency, 
especially carriage exercise. 
5. That heavy clothing, especially if tight and close, obstructing the admission and 
cireulation of air, tends to raise the temperature unduly, especially under active exer- 
cise ; and that close, ill-ventilated rooms, especially when crowded, have in a marked 
manner the same tendency. 
6. That when the body is in a healthy state, then on rest after exercise or ex- 
posure to any other exciting cause, it rapidly recovers its normal condition as to 
temperature, 
7. That when labouring under disease, however slight, the temperature is abnor- 
mally elevated ; and that — judging from observations made, but not recorded, in the 
Tables — its undue degree is some criterion of the intensity of the diseased action. 
8. That within the tropics there is comparatively little difference of temperature 
between the surface of the body, especially the extremities and the internal parts ; — 
and that there the skin is more active in its function of transpiration and the kidneys 
are less active as secreting organs ; with which it may be conjectured is connected a 
rapid production and desquamation of cuticle, and the absence, in great part or en- 
tirely, of lithic acid in the urinary secretion. This latter fact, however, may be ex- 
plained in a different manner, on the supposition that the acid is not formed in the 
blood, or if formed, in a greatly diminished quantity. 
9. That the effect of wine, unless used in great moderation, is commonly lower- 
ing, that is as to temperature, whilst it accelerates the heart’s action, followed after a 
while by an increase of temperature. 
10. That the tendency of sea-sickness is to check what may be Considered the 
natural fluctuation of the temperature, and when severe, like disease, to elevate the 
temperature. 
