DR. MARSHALL HALL ON HYBERNATION. 
343 
“ In the winter, the atmosphere at 44°, the heat of a torpid hedgehog at the 
pelvis was 45°, and at the diaphragm 48^°. 
“ The atmosphere 26°, the heat of a torpid hedgehog, in the cavity of the 
abdomen, was reduced so low as 30°. 
“ The same hedgehog was exposed to the cold atmosphere of 26° for two 
days, and the heat of the rectum was found to be 93°; the wound in the abdo¬ 
men being so small that it would not admit the thermometer*. 
“ A comparative experiment was made with a puppy, the atmosphere at 50°; 
the heat in the pelvis, as also at the diaphragm, was 102°. 
“ In summer, the atmosphere at 78°, the heat of the hedgehog, in an active 
state in the cavity of the abdomen, towards the pelvis, was 95°; at the dia¬ 
phragm, 97°f ” 
There is an error in the admirable work of M. Edwards, in relation to the 
present subject, which it is important to point out. M. Edwards first ascertained 
the interesting fact, that the very young of those species of animals which are 
born blind, lose their temperature if removed from the contact of their parent; 
and justly concludes that they have not sufficient power of evolving heat, to 
maintain their natural temperature when so exposed. M. Edwards then sub¬ 
jected hybernating animals to the action of cold, and observing that their tem¬ 
perature also fell, he concludes that they, like the very young animal, have not 
the faculty of maintaining their temperature under ordinary circumstances 
It is remarkable that this acute physiologist did not perceive the error in this 
reasoning. In no instance does the young animal maintain its warmth, when 
exposed alone to the influence of an atmosphere of moderate temperature. 
Can this be said of the hybernating animal ? Certainly not. In ordinary tem¬ 
peratures, the hybernating animal maintains its activity, and with its activity, 
its temperature. The loss of temperature in this kind of animal is an induced 
condition, occasioned by sleep. Nothing, therefore, can be more incorrect 
than the following conclusion: “ Au mois d’Avril 1819, fair 6tant a 16°, une 
chauve-souris adulte, de Fespece nominee oreillard, avait une temperature de 
34°. Elle 6tait recemment prise et en bon etat. Je la plagai dans un vase de 
terre que je refroidis en l’entourant de glace pilee et d’un peu de sel. L’air y 
* The animal had become lively. See Hunter on the Animal CEconomy, p. 113. 
t Ibid. p. 112. I Des Agens Physiques, p. 155. 
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