FOODS — HUMAN NUTRITION. 663 



The effect of air breathed upon the metabolism of protein and carbohydrate 

 food, M. Bache and W. Aukl (Miinchcn. Med. Wch^m-hi:, 61 {IdlJf), No. 16, pp. 

 868-870). — The results of a series of animal experiments are here presented 

 and discussed. The following conclusions are drawn: 



Breathing air deficient in oxygen prudtiros a nitrogen retention wliicli is 

 probably to be regarded as resulting from the storage of protein. A deficiency 

 of oxygen and an excess of carbon dioxid in the air breathed produce glycosuria 

 in the case of well-nourished animals. An increase of carbon dioxid diminishes 

 ])hk)ridzin diabetes and increases the blood sugar content. A lack of oxygen 

 in the air breathed has no effect upon phloridziu glycosuria. 



The influence of excessive water ingestion on protein metaboiism, J. B. 

 Our {Bioclicm. Jour., 8 (IBl.'t), No. 5, pp. 5.30-5.'i0). — From the results of a series 

 of experiments in which varying quantities of water were ingested, both during 

 and between meals, the author draws the following conclusions: 



"The excessive ingestion of water produces an increased excretion of 

 urinary nitrogen which is most marked on a low protein diet; a retention of 

 nitrogexi on the return to normal consumption of water in the case of excessive 

 protein intake; an increase in the percentage of total nitrogen excreted as 

 urea ; a marked increase in the excretion of creatin, [and] a decrease in the 

 fecal nitrogen which is interpreted as indicating a more complete utilization of 

 the food protein. 



" It is .suggested that the results indicate that the influence of the increased 

 water consumption is to accelerate both the catabolic and the anabolic jihases 

 of protein metabolism." 



Gastro-intestinal studies, III (studies on water drinking', XXI). — Direct 

 demonstration of the stimulatory power of water in the human stomach, O. 

 Bergeim, M. E. Rehfuss, and P. B. Hawk (Jour. Biol. Chcin., 19 {1911,), No. 3, 

 pp. 3.'i5-371, figs. 15). — Men were subjects for experiments in which varied 

 amounts of water were introduced into the stomach by drinking through a 

 Rehfuss tube, and specimens of the stomach contents were then removed at 

 intervals and analyzed for total acidity, free acidity, and peptic activity. 



As small a volume as 50 cc. caused in every instance a very distinct stimu- 

 lation of the gastric glands, as evidenced by increases in both acidity and 

 euzym value. 



Since water stimulates the gastric glands to activity when no food is present 

 in the stomach as well as when there is a digestive task to complete, it would 

 seem a waste of " glandular energy " to drink water between meids. 



The excretion of creatinin by human individuals on a prolonged creatin- 

 free diet, A. I. Ringer and G. W. Raiziss {Jour. Biol. Clicm., 19 {19J.'f), No. Jf, 

 pp. 4Sy-'i92). — Experiments are reporte<l in which individuals received a creatin- 

 and creatinin-free diet for a long period of time. 



"There was noticeable a gradual and steady decline in the creatinin output 

 per day, a decline that unquestionably lies outside the physiological fluctuations. 

 It is independent of any changes in body weight, and is associated with a 

 steady decline in the creatinin coefficient." 



Some observations on the excretion of creatinin by women, INIary Hull 

 {Jour. Aincr. Chcm. Sac, 36 {191Jt), No. 10, pp. 2///6-2i5i).— The subjects studletl 

 exhibited a low creatinin excretion in comparison with the usual values as 

 found for men. 



Metabolism and energy of men, A. LirscniJTz {Stofficechsel und Energie- 

 u-echsel des MenscJien. Leipsie: R. Voigtliindcr, 191^, pp. XI-\-lS9, figs. 17). — 

 This book considers the fundamental principles of human nutrition. Among the 

 subjects included are the chemical nature of foods, the body requirements for 



