Why 98.6 Degrees Is Not the Normal Body Temperature

A 'normal' body temperature was determined in 1868 but by 1935, researchers were questioning the measurement. Current data show temperatures are dropping.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Your body temperature is vital to maintaining homeostasis, and as it turns out, 98.6 Fahrenheit (37 Celsius) may not be an average body temperature

• Originally, body temperature was determined in 1868 by a German physician, but by 1935 researchers were calling that number into question. A systematic review of the literature in 2002 demons…