THE USE OF NITROGEN FOR DETERMINING THE CIRCULATORY MINUTE VOLUME

Abstract

A study was made of the rate of N elimination from the lungs when pure O is breathed for determining the circulatory minute volume in man. The method of Bornstein, which utilizes the above principle, was found to be based on incorrect assumptions. Even when the objections had been overcome, other difficulties make the method impracticable. The rate of elimination of N has been determined, and the significance of the curve of elimination discussed. The solubility of N in human blood was found to be only slightly greater than would be expected from its solubility in water.