"But isn't there another scale to measure heat by?"
"The Centigrade method is on a more scientific basis. It is determined by taking the freezing and the boiling points of water, and dividing the scale into 100 degrees between those points."
It required the work of several hours to make the device as here shown, so that the tension of the C-shaped piece would hold the point to one side. The temperature of the atmosphere was about 65, as nearly as the Professor could judge, but when the C-shaped piece was held in the palm of the hand, the pointer moved to the lower edge of the base piece, and a mark of 80 was put there as the starting point. As they had no immediate use for a scale beyond 110 degrees, the end of the base was marked off, as you see in regular divisions.
The C-shaped piece was put under the tongue or in the armpit, so that the temperature of Harry could be determined, and it registered 102 degrees. It might be that Harry's temperature was really much higher, as the thermometer, for the reasons stated, was not accurate.
"I wish you would test the thermometer, George, so we can pretty well determine, within a range of two or three degrees, how nearly right we are."
George's temperature was found to register 98, whereas the Professor's was only 90. He explained that the temperature of youth is normally greater than old age, but it was remarkably close to the average normal temperature of two healthy persons.
"The advantage of the instrument now is to enable us to ascertain whether Harry's temperature will increase or decrease."
"Is there no other way in which we can find out about a fever?"
"When the fever comes on the pulse is usually quickened, as well as the breathing; the bowels are apt to be constipated; and thirst, loss of appetite, headache, and vague pains are felt. When the temperature goes beyond 105 it is very dangerous, and it is for this reason that physicians want to know the temperature."
"I am anxious to know why that C-shaped piece should try to straighten itself out when heat is applied to it?"