DR. HENRY L. COIT'S PAPER 303 



reason for the use of every element in a food 

 combination : Milk is the natural food for all 

 young- mammals, and since the milks of mammals 

 have the same general composition and physical 

 properties, the milk of one should be available for 

 the nutrition of the young of the other. 



The factors contributing to success in artificial 

 infant feeding are intrinsic and extrinsic. The 

 intrinsic factors are found in the individual infant, 

 and consist in its viability, organic integrity, diges- 

 tive capacity and assimilative power. 



These factors must first be determined by the phy- 

 sician and the case, if abnormal, be placed in its proper 

 pathologic group. A correct diagnostic classification 

 is quite as essential to success as in other diseased 

 conditions. 



The extrinsic factors are found in the physician 

 himself, the materials employed, the judgment 

 exercised, the temperament of the caretaker, system 

 in the management, and the hygiene of the child's 

 environment. 



The physician must combine the qualities of close 

 observation with a clear insight into types of tem- 

 perament and human nature. He must possess a 

 working knowledge of infant physiology, of infant 

 digestion, of infant pathology, with an ability to 

 recognize minute variations from the normal in his 

 patient ; it is also a prime essential, when it exists, 

 that he correct the injurious influence of faulty 

 management and care. 



The materials employed are next in order. If 

 these are to simulate the physical and chemical 

 qualities of normal and nascent breast milk, then 

 the logical substitutes are fresh animal milk and its 

 derivatives. 



It is significant that MILK is the only material 

 in the whole range of animal matter that is designed 

 and prepared by Nature expressly as food. 



