“The premature infant. A study of the effects of atmospheric conditions on growth and on development.” Reprinted from the American Journal of Diseases of Children, November 1933, Vol. 46, Part II, pp. 1175-1236

Boston, 1933. Offprint. Numerous graphs in the text. Blue Cloth, authors and title in gilt on front board. Presentation copy from Blackfan and ownership signature of David D. Rutstein on the fly-leaf. Offprint of this groundbreaking article. This study was developed following the installation of a complete central air-conditioning system was installed in nurseries for premature infants whereby the temperature, humidity, and ventilation could be maintained at any desired level. From 1926-29 observations were made on three groups based on fetal age, weight and congenital anomolies. Data on perspiration, skin temperature, physiological response were maintained. Of particular interest is the difference in body weight and growth from the various groups of premature infants as well as the effects of humidity on chronic and acute infections.

Blackfan (1883-1941), who headed the study, was an American pediatrician who focused on nutrition and hematology. Yaglou (1897–1960) was not a physician, but a professor of industrial hygiene at Harvard’s School of Public Health.  He joined the Research Laboratory of the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers in 1921, where he spent five years studying the influence of humidity, temperature, and air circulation on working and resting adults. The authors were assisted in preparing this article by nurse Katherine MacKenzie Wyman.

For a full abstract see https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19342700349.