Abstract
Table 1 gives the basal metabolism values of five subjects (laboratory research workers) which were observed twice a month for a period of 4-6 years. Figure 1 illustrates the correlation between the total of the above average monthly values and the average external temperature of each month.
From the above table and figure we can say that BM levels show an inverse proportional relationship to the average external temperature.
This is further verified on investigating the quantitative relationship between the BM fluctuation percentage and the average external temperature; it is found from the readings of the interior scales (percentages on temperature scale are calculated on absolute temperature) on both axes that the two are in complete agreement.
This quantitative relationship between BM and external temperature is very interesting, though it is based on present Japanese daily life conditions and may be inapplicable to people of other rations.
From these data the seasonal BM variation of the Japanese race is quantitatively estimated as
1/273 for a variation of 1°C, that is slightly lowere than 4 percent for a variation of 10°C.
Furthermore, if there is significance in the rise and fall of seasonal variation BM curves, the slight rise observed in April and July may be explained by the light clothing during the seasonal change between spring and summer, while the change to heavy clothing may be the cause of the fall in December.
