arked variations; we generally say,
however, that the pulse rate of a normal man at rest is about 72 a
minute, and that of a normal woman is about 80 a minute. At birth the
pulse is quickest; it may then be from 124 to 144. From the 6th to the
12th month it may be from 105 to 115 a minute, and from 90 to 105
between the 2d and 6th years. About the time of puberty it reaches the
adult rate, and during old age it may be decidedly slower than the adult
rate.

What we chiefly want to know about the pulse is

1. Its rate, or number of beats per minute,

2. Its force,--whether weak or strong,

3. Its rhythm,--whether regular or irregular.

Much practice is necessary before the pulse rate can be counted with any
degree of accuracy, and wide experience with both normal and abnormal
pulses is required in order to judge its strength, rhythm, or other
characteristics.

The pulse may be felt most conveniently on the thumb side of the front
of the wrist. The pulse should be counted while the patient is lying
down, and the watch used must have a second hand. To count the pulse,
one should place two or three fingers (not the thumb) on the patient's
wrist, and after the pulse has been felt distinctly for a few beats, the
exact time by the second hand of the watch should be noticed and the
counting begun immediately. It is generally best to count for half a
minute, multiply the result by two to get the rate for a whole minute,
and then to repeat for another half minute. The two results should agree
within two beats, if the patient is quiet. A greater variation than two
beats may mean that the pulse rate is varying, but when it is counted
by inexperienced persons the apparent difference is generally the result
of inaccurate counting, and it may be necessary to count two or three
times more. The force of the pulse varies also in different individuals;
it is, however, important to notice when it grows stronger or weaker in
the same person. Normally the pulse-beat is regular like the ticking of
a clock; it is called irregular if a few rapid or slow beats are
followed by others of a different rate. During sickness the pulse should
be counted whenever the temperature is taken, or oftener; and the result
should be written down at once. The pulse of a sick person often shows
changes both in rate and character; these changes are generally
important and should be noticed.

RESPIRATION.--Variations in the rate and character of respiration