1914] Sergüis Morgulis 267 



was only about 2 per cent less than the highest value determined. 

 Within ten days of deficient feeding it decreased to 458.4 cal, at 

 which level it remained practically unaltered through a succession 

 of weeks, the difference between the maximum and minimuni values 

 obtained during this time not exceeding 5 per cent. The second 

 very streng diminution in the basal metaboHsm, during which the 

 total energy requirement changed from 453.8 to 350.4 cal., was 

 associated with the onset of general physical debility and niore or 

 less complete exhaustion of the material reserves of the body. 



The period of abundant feeding, which followed the underfeed- 

 ing, was unfortunately very brief, but the results of six respiration 

 experiments performed during that time are extremely interesting. 

 When the data are published in füll a number of facts will be stated 

 pertaining to this period of recuperation which cannot be mentioned 

 here for want of space. Suffice it to say that at the close of four 

 weeks of liberal realimentation, the original weight had been re- 

 stored while the general physical condition of the animal had re- 

 turned to its normal level. The diet during this time, considering 

 its caloric value, had been superabundant — was about 200-300 per 

 cent over and above the lowest requirement. The respiratory ex- 

 change gradually rose from 2.54 liters of carbon dioxide and 3.01 

 liters of oxygen, per hour, to 4.72 and 6.31 liters respectively, in 

 two weeks. This increase in the gaseous metabolism, which repre- 

 sents an increase of over 100 per cent in terms of energy production, 

 had then reached its climax, and was accompanied by a most vigor- 

 ous process of upbuilding. 



Although the supply of nourishment still remained excessive, the 

 gaseous metabolism began to diminish at this stage and in the course 

 of the next two weeks attained practically the same intensity which 

 the normal animal had displayed in the preliminary investigation. 

 Thus, the carbon dioxide production per hour became 3.89 liters 

 and the oxygen consumption 5.21 liters (3.75 and 4.76 liters respec- 

 tively during the preliminary period). The rate of respiration and 

 pulsation, as well as the body temperature, meanwhile also became 

 absolutely normal. There had been no adaptation on the part of 

 the organism to the greater inflow of energy. Its metaboHc activity 

 had been temporarily raised while the exhausted organs and tissues 

 had been rapidly repaired, but as soon as the storing away of re- 



