Science Past for November 8, 1958

Temperate zones may be man’s limit for cold — Men living in the temperate zones had better not leave home for colder climes. The areas between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle and between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle represent the limits as far as their cold endurance goes, a scientist reports in Nature (Oct. 25). Persons can adapt to artificial or naturally hot environments relatively easily, says Dr. R.K. Macpherson of the division of human physiology, National Institute of Medical Research, London. However, when they are transferred from a temperate climate to a cold one, there is no comparable adaptation.… The critical [ideal] temperature for naked man is 25 to 27 degrees centigrade or about 77 degrees Fahrenheit.