Untersuchungen zu den Grundlagen des Energie- und Stoffwechsels

Abstract

The basal metabolism of individuals of abnormal proportions is modified by the composition of their body. Fat tissue has low metabolism, and causes by insulation abnormally low surface temp. The volume of an individual may be determined by placing him in an airtight chamber, adding to this a known volume (by weight) of oxygen and determining the increase in pressure since the increase in pressure on the addition of the gas is a function of the volume of gas to which it is added, which is the volume of the chamber less that of the subject. By this method gas contained in the subject in the lungs and intestines is not counted as part of his volume, but the volume obtained is that of his solid and liquid tissues. The method is described with careful precautions to ensure complete saturation of the air with water, and good mixing. The values are corrected for metabolism changes. The chamber had a capacity of 881.85 liters; temp. changes were read by a thermopile method to 0.001 c C; a motor circulated the air; pressures were read by a petroleum manometer. A tube system allowed warming or cooling of the chamber and reduced to a minimum the temp. correction. True specific gravities averaged 1.095 for [male][male] and 1.07 for [female][female]; extreme values observed were 0.98 and 1.13. Some determinations of specific gravity of isolated tissues were also made.