create a new variable with a subset of observations from an existing variable

[nina emery]

Hello everyone,
I have a variable that is a string, containing observations about patients' temperature. The observations are either "child does not fell hot", "child feels hot", or the temperature in degrees, from 30°C to 42°C.
I would like to create a new variable containing only the observations of the measured temperature in degrees, to be able to destring it and use it as a numerical value.
I am very new to stata, could someone please help me ? That would be of great help.
All the best,
Nina

[Nick Cox]

Please note comments on screenshots in the FAQ Advice #12.

For once, brute force seems simpler and also just as effective as anything more subtle.

clear 
input str42 basic 
"child feels hot"
"37.8" 
end 

gen wanted = real(basic)

list 

     +--------------------------+
     |           basic   wanted |
     |--------------------------|
  1. | child feels hot        . |
  2. |            37.8     37.8 |
     +--------------------------+

[nina emery]

Thank you so much for your answer!
I take note on the use of screenshots! Have a great day,
Nina