Climate and the Energy of Nations

Abstract

A FEATURE of the human race is the relation of a very constant body temperature to well-being, and that well-being is at its best when the environment is sufficiently lower in temperature to allow of the loss of heat at about the same rate as that at which it is generated, a loss in ensuring which evaporation takes a considerable share. When indoor temperatures are between 60° and 76° F. and relative humidities are between 40 and 70 per cent, men work better than if conditions are outside those limits. Exact figures would vary from country to country according to clothing, to long habituation to 'heating systems, and temperatures and humidities in general ; a certain amount of breeze and of variability of atmosphere is clearly also important. Observations on solar radiation are inadequate, but it seems evident that too much ultra-violet light as well as too little sunlight can be a hindrance to healthy efficiency.

Climate and the Energy of Nations

By S. F. Markham. Pp. 144. (London: Oxford University Press, 1942.) 10s. 6d. net.