The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-01-18
WASTED STRENGTH.
Calculation of tho Force Expended by
Man Who Climbs a Hill.

Calculation of the Force Expended by y
Man Who Climbs a Hill.
The physical energy or force sometimes
exerted by the human body under GER
tain conditions is known to be astound-
ing, but no one has ever taken the trou-
bic to put before us that force in figures.
DR.. j. Buchhcister has now made a
most interesting calculation on the
''worll done" by mountainecrs in as
cending heights, which will serve
as an illustration. Surprising noun
taineer weighing 1GS pounds is making
the ascent of summit 1909 feet
high from tho point of starting, he
has to eXpend an amount of physical
force found by multiplying his weight
by the height to be assembled. In the
case assumed {. weight of 16S pounds
height of 1000 feet 1,17G,00O foot
pounds; or, in other words, 1,176, 600
pounds have to be lifted foot,
This is work performed merely by the
muscles Of the legs; but, besides this,
the c0ntractions of the muscle of the
heart have to be taken into account
Its function consists, as is well known,
in propclling the blood collecting in the
heart, on the ono hand, into the arteries,
and, on the other, into the lungs. This
is effected at an initial velocity of II
feet per second, which represents in the
case of an adult work OF foot-pounds
for each contraction of the heart. The
pulsations of an adult are on the aver
age ~ per minute, but in ascending
heights, owing to the additional exer-
ton, their number is increased to an ex-
traordinary extent.
Assuming for the sake of simplicity in
calculation, only 100 beats of the pulse
per minute, this would give 400 foot
pounds per minute, $4,000 pounds
per hour, and 100000 foot-pounds for
the five hours supposed to be required
in ascending height of 1000 feet. The
work performed by the muscles in
breathing, by the expansion and con-
traction of the chest, may also be esti-
mated at foot-pounds. Assuming. fur
Their, that the number of breathings per
minute is on the average only twenty
five, although as q matter of fest it will
be found to be higher in a mountain as
cent lasting five hours, we have to add
further work of 10000 foot-pounds.
The total work performed during five
hours by mountaineer consequently
amounts to 1896, 900 foot-pounds. In this
estimate are not included the physical
force spent in overcoming the friction
on the ground, the exertions to be made
in keeping the body erect at dizzy
heights and in dragging heavy boots
and foot-irons, nor the loss of muscle
power in cutting steps in the ice, not to
reckon the work performed in carrying
an ice axe, or the physical force exerted
in crossing fresh, loose snow. Taking
all these conditions into account, DR..
Buchheister arrives at the conclusion
that the work done in an ascent of 1000
feet, lasting five hours, can not be placed
at less than $50, 900 foot-pounds. Iron.
"A queer circumstance was lately
brought to light in the Marvinville (O.)
post-otiice. A large rat was discovered
by the postmaster which was in the
habit of making one meal day out Of
the adhesive portion of postage stamps
and another out of postal cards. After
being deprived of this diet the animal