On heat stroke

Abstract

Recently the subject of heat stroke has awakened considerable interest. Although one of the oldest of recognised diseases and a fairly well defined clinical entity, the causation of the condition has not been definitely settled, and recently has given rise to much speculation and several theories as to the mode of production of "sunstroke" and heat stroke have been suggested.In 1898 Sambon (Bur, I. March 19, 1898) first suggested that the condition was an infectious disease. Although this theory has received some support it cannot be said that a convincing case has been made out for its general acceptance and most recent writers on the subject have repudiated the theory.Another suggestion and one which seems to be to some extent supported by practical experience is that the condition is due not so much to the ordinary heat rays of the sun as to the actinic or chemical rays.Colonel Maude R.A.M.C. first suggested this as far back as 1885 and also pointed out that the liability to heat stroke could be diminished if a red or yellow lining was worn under the head covering and coat the reason being that the actinic rays are intercepted by tire red or yellow lining.The question is one worthy of careful study and in the present thesis I have endeavoured to give an outline of the recent developments on the subject together with an account of my own experiences of the condition.