FT258

Extreme cold has some peculiar effects on the human body. While these have now moved from the realms of folklore into medic­ally accepted phenomena, the underlying causes still have scientists scratching their heads. When a dead, naked body is found in a wardrobe, the doctors know that foul play is unlikely to be involved, but their explanation is rather vague… a sure sign that this is fortean territory.

Hypothermia is the body’s reaction to cold. Vasoconstrict­ion occurs, the diversion of blood away from the extremities to maintain core temperature. As a medical mnemonic has it, the ‘umbles’ set in: the victim starts to stumble, fumble, mumble and grumble.