DISCUSSION OF RESULTS. 



The experimental evidence accumulated in connection with this 

 research is especially complete with regard to certain physiological 

 measurements, particularly pulse-rate and total metabolism, with 

 incidental observations with regard to temperature. In the final 

 analysis of these figures the writers regret that the question of time 

 and expense made it impossible to record simultaneously with these 

 measurements other important physiological factors, such as blood 

 pressure, respiration-rate, alveolar air, and alveolar carbon dioxide, 

 for the physiology of youth needs most exhaustive study and each 

 series of observations increases greatly in value by being associated 

 with other physiological measurements accurately determined. It is 

 necessary, therefore, in this discussion to lay special stress upon the 

 rather extensive series of anthropometric measurements and the 

 measurements of pulse-rate, rectal temperature, and particularly basal 

 metabolism. If the total energy metabolism is looked upon as the 

 pooled energy for the day, involving all of the various vital processes 

 which go to make up the physical and possibly intellectual activities 

 of the day, it can be seen that its measurement, even if at the present 

 time incapable of subtle analysis, is of great importance. Indeed, 

 with the accumulation of data with regard to the total energy metab- 

 olism of human individuals, it is becoming increasingly evident that 

 this measurement is of great physiological if not indeed clinical im- 

 portance. 



While the number of pathological factors, other than the febrile 

 condition, that have thus far been noted to increase metabolism above 

 normal are relatively few, it is highly probable that subsequent studies 

 will show deviations from the average normal metabolism produced 

 by disease or altered conditions of nutrition. The lowering of the 

 normal basal metabolism results from a general state of undernutrition, 

 and hence it is perfectly consistent to say that those subjects with 

 lowered basal metabolism are distinctly below par. Where the health 

 of the growing child is of as great significance as it is now apparently 

 becoming, any index of vitality is valuable. Whatever restrictions or 

 procedures for reducing metabolism may be justifiable with overfed 

 adults, the consensus of opinion thus far points strongly towards the 

 necessity for a surplus of food and a high nutritive plane for the best 

 welfare of growing children. 



To throw some light upon the normal nutritive plane and to give 

 an indication as to the general trend of the normal basal metabolism 

 from birth through the period of early childhood are the main func- 



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