Temperature of the Breath

Abstract

THE following experiment may serve to supplement the observations of Dr. Roberts as to the cause of the high reading of thermometer wrapped in a handkerchief and placed in the mouth. An ordinary non-registering thermometer was wrapped in about twelve folds of a dry linen handkerchief placed in the mouth, and the following readings taken at intervals of one minute:—Inspiration was effected through the nostrils, expiration throng the handkerchief. The thermometer was in the mouth from the beginning to the end of the experiment. Temperature under th tongue before commencing, 37°.0 C. The reading of the thermometer wrapped as above described, one minute after introduction into the mouth, was 43°.0. At the end of the second minute 44°.1, 3rd 42°.9, 4th 41°.2, 5th 39°.6, 6th 38°.2, 7th 37°.1, 8th 36°.9, 9th 36°.9, &c. After the experiment the temperature under the tongue was 37°.6. Capillarity is probably the chief cause of the rapid condensation of water, and the consequent liberation of heat in the dry fabric.