PREFACE. 



The investigation on new-born infants reported herewith is a natural 

 outcome of the attempt of this laboratory during the last four years to 

 secure adequate information regarding the normal metabolism of 

 infants preparatory to a contemplated study of pathological conditions, 

 for until normal data are available an intelligent interpretation of the 

 data from pathological cases is impossible. 



The observations have been made by Miss Alice Johnson, whose 

 skillful technique and experience in studies of infant metabolism have 

 contributed greatly to the research. To the trustees and especially to 

 the superintendent of the Massachusetts General Hospital we wish to 

 express our thanks for the facilities offered to us in the prosecution 

 of this study. Through the kindness of the trustees and staff of the 

 Boston Lying-in Hospital, a large number of new-born infants were 

 made available for this research. The majority of the infants used in 

 these observations came from this institution. Much credit is also 

 due the nurses of the hospital for their active interest and cooperation, 

 which materially assisted in the successful outcome of the research. 



NUTRITION LABORATORY OF THE 



CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON, 



Boston, Massachusetts, July 31, 1915. 



