Variations in Thermal Sensitivity

Science. 1961 Jul 14;134(3472):104-5. doi: 10.1126/science.134.3472.104.

Abstract

In the past, confusion has resulted from the use of relative expressions indicative of the direction of temperature change, rather than positive identification of warm and cool sensations. Data are presented which show that at more extreme skin temperatures sudden changes in temperature may result in two readily discernible sensations. The occurrence of each sensation depends upon the magnitude of the change.