Metabolism Experiment No. 71. 107 



Metabolism Experiment No. 71. 



The results from the 3- and 4-day fasts previously reported were of so much 

 value, even though made with subjects unaccustomed to fasting, that still 

 longer experiments with an experienced faster seemed desirable. Accordingly, 

 in the belief that the experimental conditions would be still more nearly 

 normal, a series of experiments was planned with a subject who had fasted in 

 private a number of times and hence was thoroughly accustomed to the sensa- 

 tions of hunger. 



A young man, a professional masseur, who maintained that he had on several 

 occasions made fasts of ten days' duration, was secured as the subject of 

 experiments JSTos. 71 to 77, inclusive. On his arrival in Middletown the 

 methods of experimenting were explained to him in detail, and in order to 

 accustom him to life within the calorimeter chamber, he remained in the 

 chamber for a few hours on several days prior to the first experiment. Every 

 precaution was taken to insure a normal mental as well as physical condition 

 during the experiment, but that his mental state, in spite of all precautions, 

 was one of apprehension throughout the experiment, is evident from the extracts 

 from his diary recorded later. Entire unfamiliarity with scientific methods of 

 research, an inadequate schooling, and an exceedingly nervous temperament 

 resulted in a condition of nervous excitement during the first experiment that 

 seemed to preclude further experimenting with this subject. Increased famili- 

 arity with the apparatus and methods, life in the laboratory, and attendance on 

 several college classes so increased his confidence in the nature of the experi- 

 ments, however, that the series planned for was ultimately carried out. But 

 even then many changes in method had to be made and much desired data 

 could not be obtained. 



The subject, S. A. B., entered the chamber in the early evening of January 

 6, 1905. The preliminary analyses of the respiratory products began at 1 a. m., 

 January 7, and the experiment began 6 hours later. The day was subdivided 

 into experimental periods of 2 hours' duration, the heat, carbon dioxide, oxygen, 

 and water-vapor being determined accordingly. 



The body measurements of the subject, taken about 2 weeks after the end 

 of the fast, are given below : 



Measurements of 8. A. B. Date, Jan. 25, 1905. Age, 23 years. 



Weight kilograms.. 62.1 



Height, standing ...centimeters.. 165.8 

 Girth of 



Neck do 36 



Upper chest 



Girth of 

 Lower chest 



Repose centimeters 



After expiration do.. 



After inspiration do . . 



Repose do 90.5 Waist do. 



After expiration do.... 85 Right upper arm do. 



After inspiration do 96.5 flexed do. 



77.7 

 71.3 

 81.7 

 69.8 

 27.9 

 31.2 



