Remarks upon Temperature

TL;DR: The practical side of this physiological question will be kept in view in the present article, and the general opinion has been that the temperature is remarkably constant, and under physiological conditions shows but a narrow range of variation.

Abstract: MANY a so-called fact in physiology is but a statement of the balance of evidence. This must vary from time to time, for new evidence may be obtained or old discarded evidence may be restated and confirmed. It is useful, therefore, at times to attempt to sum up the evidence and to draw conclusions which can be tested by further investigations. The personal equation may bias the verdict, but this is a necessary condition in the examination of evidence upon all debated questions. The temperature of man and of other warm-blooded animals is a subject in which such a review may be useful. The general opinion has been that the temperature is remarkably constant, and under physiological conditions shows but a narrow range of variation. Since the thermometer is one of the physician's guides, it is most important that the conditions which affect the range of the temperature in a healthy man should be carefully determined. The practical side of this physiological question will therefore be kept in view in the present article.