THE PULSE

The rate of the pulse is subject to such variations in infants that its examination is of less value than it would otherwise be. In early childhood its observation is of more service, although even then deceptive. Slight irregularity is not uncommon. Unusual irregularity is an important symptom in affections of the brain or heart. Fever produces an increase in the pulse rate, the degree of which depends, as a rule, upon the height of the temperature. Slowing of the pulse is a very significant symptom, seen particularly in affections of the brain, and sometimes in Bright's disease and jaundice.