REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT, igi2. 23 



The great quantity of priceless observational and derived data accumu- 

 lated by the department rendered it imperative that special provision should 

 be made for their safe storage. Accordingly the Executive Committee au- 

 thorized the department to expend, from its last annual allotment, the sum 

 of $2,000 for the construction of a fire-proof vault within the walls of the 

 Dudley Observatory. This vault is now ready for occupancy and the records 

 will be placed therein as soon as practicable. 



Although investigations began immediately on the establishment of the 

 Nutrition Laboratory five years ago, the novelty and importance of its field 

 have called for continuous additions to its equipment, 

 Nutrition Laboratory, while added experience has suggested many improve- 

 ments in the apparatus used. Thus during the past year 

 two balconies have been added to the calorimeter laboratory, a treadmill 

 designed to measure severe muscular work has been provided for a respira- 

 tion chamber, and numerous modifications have been made in the calorim- 

 eters and respiration apparatus of the Laboratory. More detailed studies 

 of the bicycle ergometer, which has hitherto proved so useful in experiments 

 on the metabolism of man during excessive muscular work, have rendered 

 the apparatus available over a wider range of experimentation and with a 

 higher degree of certainty than hitherto. The importance and success of 

 the experiments already undertaken at the Laboratory have created a wide- 

 spread interest in the medical profession, and this interest has led to many 

 cooperative investigations undertaken during the past year. The novel 

 equipment of the Laboratory has been the subject of much inquiry also, and 

 many investigators from other laboratories have sought to secure copies of 

 the apparatus used and to learn more of the technique developed by the 

 Director and his staff. 



One of the most interesting of the many investigations under way during 

 the year is that of the metabolism of a subject who underwent a prolonged 

 fast, extending to thirty-one days without food, and who drank only distilled 

 water during this time. This investigation required the cooperation of a 

 number of chemical, pathological, and psychological experts. A detailed 

 report on this elaborately observed experiment is at present in preparation. 

 Another noteworthy investigation of the year is that on metabolism during 

 severe muscular work, undertaken by Dr. E. P. Cathcart, of the University 

 of Glasgow, who was a Research Associate of the Institution during the 

 winter of 1911-1912. Amongst other important results of the latter re- 

 search is the measure it affords of the mechanical efficiency of man. An 

 account of this investigation is likewise in preparation for publication. 



In addition to the numerous papers which have appeared in current jour- 

 nals from the Laboratory, two volumes, Nos. 166 and 167 of the Institu- 

 tion's series, have been issued during the year. The first of these is devoted 



