FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 



663 



The influence of sugar on the power of muscles to produce 

 work, Schumburg- (Ztschr. Ver. Riibenz. Lid., 1898, pt. 2, No. 505, pp. 

 110-129, pi. 1, Jigs. 10). — A number of experiments with man briefly 

 noted in a previous publication (E. S. E., 9, p. 175) are reported in 

 detail. In some periods of the experiments the subject was given a 

 solution of 30 gin. of sugar in 200 cc. of water; in other periods a solu- 

 tion of 0.25 gm. of dulcin in the same quantity of water. The two 

 solutions bad the same degree of sweetness. The amount of mus- 

 cular work performed by the subject under the influence of these 

 solutions and under normal conditions was compared. The work, which 

 consisted in lifting a weight with the finger, was measured by a Mosso 

 ergograph. The subject did not know the purpose of the experiments 

 or the difference in the character of the two solutions. 



The conclusion was reached that sugar even in such small amounts 

 as 30 gm. enables the muscles to perform an extraordinary amount of 

 work. 



The author calls attention to the fact that practical tests of the value 

 of sugar as a source of muscular energy are necessary. 



Studies of dietaries, W. O. Atwater and A. P.Bryant (Connect- 

 icut Storrs Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 130-153). — In continuation of the work 

 of previous years (E. S. E., 8, p. 419; 9, pp. 779, 780) a number of 

 dietary studies are reported. The results are briefly summarized in 

 the following table : 



Results of dietary studies — food eaten per person daily. 



Experiments on the digestion of food by man, W. O. Atwater 

 and F. G. Benedict (Connecticut Storrs Sta. Bpt. 1897, pp. 151-167). — 

 A number of experiments on the digestibility of mixed diet are reported. 

 In some cases the subjects were at rest, in others work was performed. 

 In several tests alcohol formed a part of the day's ration. These diges- 

 tion experiments were made in connection with metabolism experiments 

 with subjects in the respiration calorimeter, Nos. 39, 40, 45, and 40 being 

 in connection with those reported on p. 664. Each of the two periods 

 covered 4 days, the subject being in the respiration chamber during the 

 second period but not during the first. Full analyses were made of the 

 food and feces. The fuel value was determined with a bomb calori- 

 meter. In calculating the energy available suitable allowance was made 

 for the fuel value of urea. In the following table is shown the coeffi; 



