30 



doubt, however, that even if the proportions of nutrients dig-ested were 

 much U\ss than normal, the amounts of energ}^ were hirge as compared 

 with the actual needs of the subjects, since they had ahnost no mus- 

 cular exercise. In fact, man}' were bedridden, and life with some was 

 undoubtedly at a very low ebb, the death rate in these wards being 

 high. 



The quantity of food rejected in this study was enough to supply 35 

 grams of protein, 23 grams of fat, 112 grams of carboln^drates, and 

 7'J3 calories of energy per man per day, or 20 per cent of the protein 

 and 23 per cent of the energy of the total food served. These propor- 

 tions are large and are especially noticeable when some of the indi- 

 vidual items are considered. For example, the amounts of beef, veal, 

 and mutton rejected ranged from 24 to 52 per cent of the total pro- 

 vided. In fact there were comparatively few articles of which less 

 than 20 per cent was rejected. 



The food sent to these wards and not served is necessarily wasted for 

 the reason that it is for the most part of such a character that it could 

 not ))e prepared for serving again, but especially because coming from 

 the sick wards there might be danger of spreading contagious diseases. 



It would perhaps be impossible to govern the quantity of food wasted 

 by such sick, intirm, and bedridden patients as made up the group 

 included in this study. For many of them eating is no doubt a con- 

 sideral)le effort, and the amounts which they consume vary with their 

 condition from day to day. It is undoubtedly true that the margin of 

 waste in sick wards in general must necessarily be larger than that fur 

 patients in better physical condition. Nevertheless, it was the opinion 

 of the observer that the quantities noted were somewhat larger than 

 necessary, owing to an oversupply of food. The correctness of this 

 deduction is shown by the fact that after the study was completed the 

 dietitian in charge made some improvements in this respect and cur- 

 tailed the waste. 



DIETARY STUDY NO. 366— MALE PATIENTS, MOSTLY INVALIDS. 



This study was made with a group of 52 persons, mostly in wards 

 Nos. 1 and 2 of the Toner building. The majority were sick, intirm, 

 and ])edridden patients. Several patients not particularly ill but given 

 a light diet, some convalescents, and a few attendants and employees 

 who were sick at the time were also included in the group. 



The study began with breakfast, November 1, 1902, and continued 

 for 7 days, with 21 meals. The total number of meals taken during the 

 study was 1,086, e^iuivalent to 1 man for 3(32 days. 



The food for these wards differed in general from that for any other 

 group studied, since it was in part the regular hospital diet, in part 

 the regular attendants' diet, and in part a special diet. 



The menu for these wards during this study is here given. This 

 may be taken as typical of the diet regularly supplied to these wards, 

 especially as regards the variety of articles of food served. 



