It has been assumed that there is a rise in basal metabolism following ultraviolet irradiations. However, only two observations on human beings are on record in the literature. Otto Kestner and his co-workers1 reported an increase in metabolism lasting from twelve to twenty-four hours immediately following irradiations; unfortunately, mention was not made of the length of time of exposures. The other paper was a preliminary report that I2 made on the effect of therapeutic doses of ultraviolet radiations on children, in which a change in basal metabolism was not noted following irradiation.
In treating patients with ultraviolet radiations, it is of great importance to the physician to know what effect may be expected from such exposures. The increase in blood calcium and in phosphorus is well known. The general improvement in the patient's condition, such as increase in appetite, gain in weight and improved sleep, has been observed,