REQUISITES OF DIET 



the average man needs daily about 120 grams of proteid, 90 

 grams of fat, and 320 grams of carbohydrate food, estimated dry; 

 and that with this, in the usual state in which such food is taken, 

 he will consume unconsciously, or as a result of craving, some 

 30 grams of salts and 2,800 grams of water. These proportions 

 are supposed to satisfy the demands of the system in an econom- 

 ical way. The estimates of Ranke vary somewhat from this as 

 indicated in the subjoined table which shows also the balance 

 kept up in the body. 



The actual amounts of given substances which it is necessary 

 to eat in order to supply the requirements of these estimates 

 depend, of course, on the composition of those substances, and 

 would have to be settled by reference to a table giving analyses 

 of the common articles of diet. Two pounds of bread and J 

 pound (when uncooked) of lean meat, together with water and 

 salt, will supply the demands; but this is an unusual diet. Or i 

 pound of meat, i pound of bread and ^ pound of butter, or other 

 fat, with water and salt is probably preferable. 



In any case if nutrition is to be properly performed the diet 

 must be varied. It could not be held that the above supply of 



