Insolation
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Insolation refers to exposure to sunlight and is used in various fields including climatology, hygiene, and therapy. The intensity of insolation depends on the amount of calories falling on a square centimeter of illuminated surface, which is determined by air transparency and the sun's height.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
INSOLATION (Lat. insolatio), illumination by sun rays, a term used in various fields: in climatology (insolation of the earth), in hygiene, in therapy, etc. The intensity of I. depends on the number of calories falling on 1 cm2 of illuminated surface (intensity of solar radiation), which is determined by the transparency of the air and the height of the sun. Besides intensity and duration of I., the coefficient of cooling (resp. the rate of evaporation from the surface) plays an important role. Various combinations of these three factors determine the different course of biophysical and biochemical processes in the plant and animal world and serve as a basis for distinguishing climatic features and classifying climates. Excessive I. (hyperinsolation) leads to disruption of the body's thermoregulation, overheating (hyperthermia) and sun (or heat) stroke, which manifests in three clinical forms: asphyxial, paralytic, and psychopathic, which can even result in death.
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“Insolation.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/insolation/