1919] 



FOODS HT MAN NUTRITION. 765 



Food Surveys (U. & Dept. Arir.. Food Survey*, 2 (1919), No*. 20. pp. «. fig*. 

 7; 21. pp. S, jiff*. 5).— The lirst of these numbers consists of u speda! report 



of com pclal stocks en hand January i, i!»i!t, of fats and oils, cured meats, 



and salt Qsb, and the second <>( corresponding data for dairy and related 

 products, sugar, sirup, boney, and candy. 



Reference handbook of food statistics in relation to the war. It. IT. UCL and 

 E. P. M.vivhktt (Washington: U. 8. Food Admin., t918, pp. 124).— This hand- 



I k Is published l>y the United states Food Administration. The statistics 



of production, export, and Import of the principal food crops in all the countries 

 Of the world are given EOT the years llill PUT, and as far as possible for 

 ibis, with the average of the three years preceding the war. 



Rise in prices during- the war. — Food and other commodities i Wat. Food 

 Jour. [London], 2 {1918), No. 30, p. 164). — Tables showing the broad move- 

 in. in of prices of different articles, the effect of control in the prices of the prin- 

 cipal f Is, and the contrast between the rise in food prices in England and 



other countries are given. 



A method of expressing numerically the growth-promoting value of pro- 

 teins, T. B. Osik>rne, L. B. Mendel, and B. L. Ferry (Jour. Biol. Chem., 37 

 (1910), No. 2, pp. 223-229) .—To show. with some degree of accuracy the maxi- 

 mum efficiency of individual proteins or mixtures of proteins for growth, the 

 authors suggest the calculation of the gains in body weight per grain of protein 

 eaten. In this way differences in food intake and rate of growth are largely 

 eliminated, and the efficiency of combinations of proteins can be expressed 

 numerically and compared with that of single proteins. The method previously 

 described (E. S. EL, 37, p. 804) is considered, however, to be better adapted 

 to the use of the dietitian or the agriculturist in determining the relative 

 value of proteins for growth. 



Tables are given showing the relative efficiency of Iactalbumin and casein 

 as calculated by the new method and the effect of restricted food intake on 

 gains made per unit of food eaten. Recalculations have also been made of 

 data obtained in the earlier study. 



It is pointed out that economy of food can be effected only by supplying the 

 young animal with as much as it will eat, and economy of protein only by 

 reducing the nutritive ratio below that at which the normal rate of growth 

 can be maintained. "Economy in nutrition during growth depends upon a 

 correct adjustment between the proportion of protein and the total energy sup- 

 plied. Furthermore, the optimum of protein is determined not only by the 

 absolute amount furnished but also by its quality." 



The occurrence of creatin and creatinin in the blood in normal and patho- 

 logical conditions. — III. Further observations of normal cases, especially 

 in old age, J. Feigl (Biochem, ZUchr., 87 (1918), No. 1-2. pp. /-2.?).— In con- 

 tinuation of the investigations previously noted (B. S. K.. 40, p. 2T4), deter- 

 minations are reported of the creatin and creatinin content of the blood of 

 adults from 40 to 50, 50 to 60, 60 to 70, and 7i> to so years of age. The results 

 are compared with those of children and of adults under 1<> years. 



Creatinuria and acidosis, W. DENIS and A. S. Mi not {Jour. Biol. Cbcm.. 37 

 (1919). No. 2. pp. 2J/5-252). — Experiments on human subjects along the same 

 general lines as those used by Onderhlll and Baumann on rabbits (E. t*. R., 

 36, p. 161) were conducted to determine the relation between acidosis and 

 creatin excretion. The experimental subjects received g highly acid diet until 

 creatin excretion was established, after which sodium bicarbonate was admin- 

 istered in amounts sufficient to keep the urine alkaline' to litmus. Creatin and 

 creatinin determinations were made by Folin's micro methods, using purified 

 picric acid. 



