THE PROTEIN METABOLISM OF MANKIND 85 



given by Chittenden for the excretion of nitrogen in the faeces, 

 and the absorption of protein in the experiments on his second 

 group of subjects soldiers of the Hospital Corps.* The figures 

 show that many of the individuals excreted up to 2 grammes of 

 nitrogen per day in the faeces, and absorbed less than 75 per cent, 

 of the total protein offered. Yet, according to Chittenden, this 

 was a well-balanced diet. Indeed, it was on the results obtained 

 from this and similar experiments that he has based his well- 

 known views on economy in nutrition. 



It is evident, therefore, that so far as the actual amount of 

 nitrogenous waste is concerned, the dietary of the people of 

 Bengal compares very favourably with that made use of by 

 Chittenden in his prolonged experiments, and that an ill-balanced 

 character of the Bengali ration will not explain his poor physical 

 attainments and other characteristics of malnutrition. 



Study 4. Three diets may be included in this study : one for 

 Bengalis in a residential Government college, and two for 

 Anglo-Indian and Eurasian students in Government colleges. 

 As there will be occasion to deal with the effects of these dietaries 

 in another connection, it will be sufficient at present to record 

 their values : 



DIET I. BENGALI STUDENTS (RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE). 



Protein .. .. 67-11 grms. 1 



Carbohydrates .. 548-73 ^Heat value .. 3,190 calories. 



Fat 71-55 J 



Of the protein element, about 13 per cent, was derived from 

 an animal source. 



DIET II. ANGLO-INDIAN AND EURASIAN STUDENTS (RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE). 



Heat value . . 2,415 calories. 



Protein . . . . 87-56 grms. } 

 Carbohydrates .. 376-53 ,, >] 

 Fat 54-75 ,, J 



Of the protein element about 55 per cent., or 48-2 grammes, 

 was derived from an animal source. 



DIET III. ANGLO-INDIAN AND EURASIAN STUDENTS (RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE). 



Protein . . . . 94-97 grms. \ 



Carbohydrates .. 467-00 ,, \ Heat value .. 2,830 calories. 



Fat 56-20 ,, J 



Of the protein element about 42 per cent., or 40 grammes, 

 was derived from an animal source. 



* Chittenden, " Physiological Economy in Nutrition." 



