The influence of high altitudes in mountaineering / by Malcolm L. Hepburn.

  • Hepburn, Malcolm Langton, 1866-1942.
Date:
1901
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The influence of high altitudes in mountaineering / by Malcolm L. Hepburn. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    The rise of temperature, though difficult of explanation, may also he accounted for by poorly oxygenated blood acting in some way on the heat-regulating centre in the pons, and so upsetting the balance; but it is not a constant symptom, or may frequently be so slight as to escape observation. An additional piece of evidence in favour of the oxygen theory is the fact that cases of anaemia at sea-level complain of precisely the same symptoms as climbers at high altitudes. Since working at this subject I have observed carefully cases of anaemia, and noted their symptoms. In all we hear of the lassitude and tired feeling in the legs, with disinclination for exertion while at rest; while in motion the helpless feeling of the lower extremities, the accelerated heart’s action, the accelerated respiration with sense of weight and constric- tion at the chest. The headache is a variable symptom, as in mountain-sickness ; nausea and vomiting are comparatively rare. I cannot say I have observed any rise of temperature. The conditions which modify the symptoms, and the height at which they manifest themselves, act only in so far as they alter the amount of oxygen taken into the blood. 1. Temperature of the Air.—The influence of cold upon the system constitutes a special department by itself, and one I cannot enter into here. But the effect of lowered temperature on the air will be to increase its density, other things being equal. Therefore, if for any reason the temperature of the air on one mountain is not the same as on another at the same level, the symptoms will appear at a higher or lower level respectively. On referring to Sir Martin Conway’s experiences it will be noticed that at certain heights he suffered no symptoms so long as the air was cool, but when the tem- perature rose, although he remained at the same height, they immediately made their appearance. 2. Condition of Air, whether at rest or in motion.—The im- proved condition in their symptoms when sufferers meet a strong current of air has been frequently observed by many climbers, and the reverse effect of stagnant air is also well known, and has been often described. 3. The Shape and Condition of the Mountain.—This may have a certain amount of influence over the development of the symptoms, according as one side of the mountain is colder or warmer than another, thus altering the constitution of a given volume of the atmosphere at any particular height. 4. Hygrometry.—Undoubtedly the diminution of aqueous vapour in the atmosphere at high altitudes does affect the body in some way, but it has more to do with the relation of