Abstract
Summary
A simple apparatus is described for measuring the metabolic rates of smaller laboratory anirnals. It requires no unusual materials and can be made in a few hours by anyone able to solder. Its accuracy and simplicity are derived from the fact that by keeping the size down to a minimum, the contained gas volume is very small and the necessity for rigorous temperature control and circulation of the air is thereby eliminated. The values reported in the literature, with more complicated apparatus and groups of animals measured over longer intervals of time, are reproducible in this simple apparatus using single animals and observation-periods of relatively few minutes.
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