29 



bulky residue left in the intestines to excite them to expel the undesirable 

 matters, which accumulate after nutrients have been absorbed in the process 

 of digestion. Oatmeal, green vegetables, whole-meal bread, fruits, etc., are 

 prescribed for this trouble, because the.y leave a relatively large amount of 

 this desirable " ballast," which, as it is pushed along by the worm-like move- 

 ments of the intestine, carries with it matters, minute perhaps in bulk, 

 but highly injurious to the health, if allowed to remain in the bowels, through 

 the delicate lining of which they are liable to be absorbed into the blood; 

 hence 



"BILIOUS ATTACKS," SKIN-ERUPTIONS, LEADEN-HUED SKIN, 



and other indications to the trained eye of self-poisoning, technically called 

 " auto-intoxication." But again a caution is necessary. Valuable to health 

 as is this bulkiness of vegetable foods, it becomes a disadvantage if these be 

 taken to excess ; for then the nutrient substances, always more difficult of 

 digestion and absorption when eaten in vegetable form, may be so rushed 

 along, owing to the stimulating effect of this class of "ballast" upon the 

 intestine, that there is not time for the process of absorption to be completely 

 performed, and the eater suffers from insufficient nutrition. 



MAN IS DESIGNED TO EAT A MIXED DIET, 



and in temperate climates he is at his best when he eats about one part of 

 animal food to four or five parts of vegetable. 



Attention must now be directed to Fig. (3), for it emphasizes several of 

 the facts which bear most materially upon 



THE SUBJECT OF APPROPRIATE FOOD. 



The series of figures, from to 80, which run along the top and bottom 

 of this diagram, represent the years of age from birth onwards ; while the 

 Roman numerals at each side refer to the amount of food (in ounces) which 

 is required by the healthy human being during these years. 



The lowest curve of the three represents the quantity of fat which should 

 be included in the daily diet, the middle curve demonstrates the quantity of 

 protein necessary, and the upper curve indicates the proportion of carbo- 

 hydrate, shown by experience, to be desirable at the different age periods. 



It will be seen that at birth the three classes of foodstuffs are called for 

 in equal amount, hence milk see Milk in Fig. (2) is the sole and appropriate 

 form of food for the infant. But each year a greater divergence occurs in the 

 three curves. More protein is wanted than fat, and, as muscular activity 

 increases, the demand for carbohydrates increases out of all proportion to the 

 increase of the other two nutrients, which maintain a fairly close relationship 

 throughout life. 



NOTICE THE ALMOST ABRUPT UPWARD COURSE 



of each curve until the year 24 is reached, the age when growth is practically 

 complete. Then, with one consent, each curve begins to decline; though, be 

 it observed, not in the same proportion, and in a very gradual, long-drawn- 

 out fashion. 



What does all this signify? How does it concern the housewife? Is it 

 not rather a matter for the medical man or the scientific worker than for us, 

 every-day sort of folk? 



These questions shall receive replies in the same order as that in which 

 they have been put. The lesson taught by this diagram is the significance 



