170 FOOD INGESTION AND ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS. 



from 65 per minute to a maximum of 71, and the experiment with V. G., 

 January 26, 1911, in which the pulse rate changed from an average of 

 53 per minute to 67 to 60 per minute after the beef extract was taken. 



The systolic blood pressure was measured in the experiment with 

 V. G., February 3, 1911, and in the three experiments with C. H. H. 

 In none of them was there a marked change in the blood pressure. 



While beef extract has an effect upon the metabolism, its influence 

 is so small that moderate amounts may be given to individuals in a 

 fasting condition without materially increasing the basal value. Since 

 it is highly desirable to secure a diet which will not materially raise the 

 basal metabolism and yet will prevent the sensations of hunger fre- 

 quently experienced by patients when the breakfast is omitted, it may 

 be perfectly legitimate to use a moderate amount of beef extract in 

 experiments with pathological cases even when determining the so- 

 called basal value prior to observations. Special tests on this point 

 should be made before beef extract is used in this way. 



In considering the influence of beef tea and other liquids upon the 

 metabolism, the results obtained in the experiments on water-drinking 

 should naturally be taken into consideration. A careful analysis of 

 these experiments shows that the drinking of water was, in all but two 

 instances, without effect upon the metabolism. On the other hand, 

 the fact that increments were obtained in these two experiments, one 

 of which an extremely well-conducted and satisfactory experiment 

 showed an increment of 16 per cent in the metabolism after 1,800 

 grams of water, 1 must lead one to be somewhat cautious in the inter- 

 pretation of results of experiments in which liquids are ingested. But 

 the experimental data thus far obtained for beef tea may properly 

 lead to the conclusion that with amounts of 400 grams or more a 

 perceptible increase in the metabolism may be expected. 



'See experiment with T. M. C. on January 12, 1911 (table 72, p. 144.) 



