DEGREE OF CONSTANCY IN HUMAN BASAL METABOLISM

Abstract

With a well-conditioned man in complete muscular and mental repose, at least 12 hrs. after food, the body temp., pulse and respiration rates, R.Q., O consumption, and insensible perspiration were extraordinarily uniform from day to day. They were not affected by variations in the length and depth of sleep the preceding night, differences in room temp., or by rather considerable changes in the character and the amt. of the meal the evening before. The insensible perspiration was closely correlated with the basal heat production. An emotional disturbance caused a marked increase in the metabolism, which did not subside for several days.