Contributions to vital statistics, obtained by means of a pneumatic apparatus for valuing the respiratory powers with relation to health / [John Hutchinson].

  • Hutchinson, John, 1811-1861
Date:
[1844?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Contributions to vital statistics, obtained by means of a pneumatic apparatus for valuing the respiratory powers with relation to health / [John Hutchinson]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    In the more advanced stage of the disease, the difference is much more considerable : thus,— Advanced Stage of Consumption. Capacity of Diseased Cubic Inches. 59 . 89 . 108 . 72 . 80 . 75 . 34-5 18 . Capacity of Healthy. Cubic Inches. . . 135 . . 224 . . 254 . . 135 . . 229 . . 254 . . 246 . . 183 It is truly interesting to witness the broad difference here exhibited. Not only does disease in the chest limit the natural capacity ; but also an enlargement of any of the visceral organs, acting so as to prevent the arch of the diaphragm freely alternating in its curve. A moderate meal reduces the “capacity” from 4 to 6 cubic inches, and a plentiful dinner from 9 to 14 inches, according to the powers of the individual at table. The capacity of those who suffer from curvature of the spine is most remarkably small. One person was so low as 27 cubic inches, being the utmost quantity he could throw out of his chest by one full expiration. The greatest capacity I have ever witnessed was that of Freeman and Randall, both measuring upwards of 6 feet 11^ inches. Freeman’s capacity was 432 cubic inches, and Randall's 464 cubic inches. The lowest healthy capacity I have examined is that of Robertson, height 3 feet 9 inches, being 80 cubic inches; and it is worthy of mention that when you reduce the giant Randall down to the size of Robertson, i. e. by taking off 4-, and of his height, breadth, and depth, the capacity of the giant is then reduced to 79*56 cubic inches, which is within half an inch of the actual quantity blown by Robertson. The capacity of all the classes examined maybe compared by referring to a table here suspended. (See Table I., p. 15.) The relation between the capacity of the lungs and circumference of the chest appears as yet so feeble, that it is no guide to me. I have combined this calculation of circumference and capacity, which will be seen amongst the other tables handed round; where, it may be observed, that the mean of 11 men of 5 feet 8 inches, whose chests measure 35 inches in circumference, has a capacity of 235 cubic inches, while that of 10 men of the same height, whose chests are 38 inches, is only 226, being 9 cubic inches less. I may here mention, that it was in consequence of so often witnessing tall, narrow-chested men blowing so much more than broad-chested men, that I was induced to combine the height of the individual with the capacity. The only parallel remark I have seen in physiological writers upon respiration is that by Muller, who says (page 294, 1st ed., vol. i.)—“ Herbst found that adults of large stature, when breathing tranquilly, inspired and expired from 20 to 25 cubic inches ; persons of smaller stature 16 or 18 cubic inches.” I must now pass on to the other grand series of observations, upon the “power” of the inspiratory and expiratory muscles of the healthy in different classes, and of the diseased. By the power of inspiration and expiration, I mean the greatest effort that can be employed by all those muscles used in performing