Observations on the temperature of the monkey in normal conditions and under the influence of narcotics

Abstract

1. In the monkey the temperature is quickly raised by muscular exercise.2. The temperature of the axilla is higher than that of the rectum.3. There is a marked and regular diurnal variation with a minimal period from 2 to 4 a.m. and a maximal period from 6 to 8 p.m.4. The mean temperature for the twenty four hours is about 100.1° F (37.9 °C) for the axilla, and 99.6 °F (37.6 °C) for the rectum.5. Under the influence of narcotics in monkeys and cats the power of heat regulation is lost and the temperature of the animal rises or falls with that of its surroundings; but the power of different narcotics to effect such a disturbance in heat regulation differs in degree. With either, chloroform, and paraldehyde the fall is rapid from the first, with alcohol and chloral hydrate with potassium bromide it is much slower. Might not this be used as a method for investigating the intensity of the action of different narcotics on the central nervous system?6. Beyond 24 °C the animals lost all power of self recovery.7. The pulse and respiratory rates were reduced parallel with the fall in bodily temperature, and increased parallel with its rise, pointing to a similar rise and fall in the metabolism of the animal.8. The rise is much more rapid than the fall.9. The lowest temperature reached in the monkey with recovery was 14 °C and with fatal results 12.5 °C; in the cat it was 15.5 °C and 14.4 °C respectively The highest temperature reached in the monkey was 46.5 °C but this was followed by death in a few minutes.