296 CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON. 



mass of evidence produced by this Laboratory lends itself admirably 

 to a modern ''statistical" analysis. Unfortunately, in physiological 

 and chemical researches this method of treatment has as yet made but 

 little headway. Numerous conferences with pln-siologists, both in 

 America and in Europe, have failed to show that the "statistical" 

 method is best adapted at this time for the presentation of the results 

 obtained in the researches of the Nutrition Laboratory. It should be 

 borne in mind, however, that with our methods of recording the 

 protocols and data the material will always be available for subsequent 

 analysis — an analysis that is a definite part of this Laboratorj^'s pro- 

 gram in the near future. Until such analysis is possible, therefore, 

 our method of presentation must be for the most part that commonly 

 emploj'ed by physiologists and clinicians — the classes of scientists 

 especially interested in our researches. 



It should furthermore be stated that the Nutrition Laboratory is 

 not — at present at least — so iimch interested in studying the character 

 of food ingestion as it is in studying the requirement or need for nutri- 

 ment. The differences between the various proteins, fats, and carbo- 

 hydrates are, indeed, a part of the regular program of research, but 

 until the demand or need of the bod}' for nutriment is intelligently 

 understood a study of the character of the ingestion of food must be 

 deferred. 



LABORATORY CHANGES. 



After several years of changing conditions, owing to the confusion 

 caused by the construction of buildings, tunnel, and street in the 

 vicinity, the environmental conditions maj' be said to have become 

 fairly permanent, and accordingly the grounds have been graded and 

 shrubbery and trees set out in accordance with the designs of a land- 

 scape architect. Relatively few fundamental changes have been made 

 inside the building, although it is of interest to note that, even at this 

 early stage in the history of the Laboratory, suitable storage-room for 

 specimens, apparatus, and stock has become a problem. 



ADDITIONS TO EQUIPMENT. 



The usual additions to the Laboratory equipment of foreign apparatus 

 were seriously interfered with by the war. It was possible, however, 

 through the kindness of Dr. August Krogh, of Copenhagen, to secure a 

 long-delayed shipment of two Blix-Sandstrom electrically driven kj-mo- 

 graphs, which were much needed in our work. A 100-liter Tissot spi- 

 rometer was also obtained through the courtesy of M, Jjucien Bull, of 

 the Marey Institute of Paris. On the other hand, there was unusual 

 activity in the construction of apparatus in the Laboratory shop. A 

 detailed description follows: 



Bed calorimeter. — The bed calorimeter has been completely recon- 

 structed according to the latest design. It has been used for several 

 tests and shows a high degree of sensitivit}' and accurac5^ 



