GASEOUS METABOLISM DUKING REST. 495 



tinctly of an athletic type. He was somewhat older than the other 

 men, and from his athletic training one might possibly expect a some- 

 what higher basal metabolism. His case, however, admirably illus- 

 trates the fact that an average normal basal metabolism from which 

 individuals do not vary appreciably does not exist. 



In analyzing the figures less than normal in the last column of 

 table 113, we find that of these subjects Can was distinctly overweight 

 and inclined to be fat, while Tom led by far the least athletic life 

 of any man in the whole squad; both of these factors contribute, we 

 believe, to lower the total metabolism. An explanation of the low 

 values with Bro and Vea is not at hand. 



A general inspection of the values in table 113, with the possible 

 exception of Mon, leads one to believe that the subjects may be con- 

 sidered as normal individuals so far as their basal metabolism is con- 

 cerned, with perhaps a slight tendency for an increase over the general 

 average. While, as previously stated, this tendency to increase may be 

 due to the fact that a relatively large number of these men were athlet- 

 ically inclined, it should also be noted that one of the most athletic 

 was Pea, whose metabolism was but 43 calories above that predicted. 



Before concluding the discussion of table 113 it is important to 

 consider the variations in the heat per square meter of body-surface. 

 The measurement of body-surface used for computing the heat pro- 

 duction on this basis was made by means of the fully approved Du Bois 

 height-weight chart and not based on the antiquated Meeh formula. 

 The heat values thus computed range from 871 to 1,027 calories per 

 square meter. The average value for all the men is 949 calories. Thus 

 the metabolism of this squad of young healthy men, i. e., a reasonably 

 homogeneous group, falls within the plus or minus 10 per cent range. 



The basal metabolism of these men is of special value in connection 

 with this research, not only in showing whether or not it is within 

 normal limits, but for use as a standard to which subsequent meta- 

 bolism measurements may be referred, to note alterations that may 

 be produced by restricted diet. It is especially unfortunate that the 

 basal metabolism could not have been established in a longer period of 

 observation. Since, however, an analysis of the values given in table 

 113 shows that we have here no distinctly abnormal basal-metabolism 

 measurements, (unless those of Mon should be so considered), any 

 subsequent metabolism measurements may properly be compared 

 with the basal level as here recorded, particularly when the squad is 

 considered as a group. It is perfectly possible, therefore, to refer the 

 subsequent measurements of metabolism of any given individual to 

 his original basal value. 



GROUP MEASUREMENT OF RESTING METABOLISM, SQUADS A AND B. 



While the individual measurements of the basal metabolism given 

 in a previous section may be used as a base-line to which subsequent 



