REQUISITES OF DIET 



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 salt and 2,800 grams of water. 

 These proportions are supposed to satisfy the demands of 

 the system in an economical 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 neces- 

 sary to eat in order to supply the requirements of these esti- 

 mates depend, of course, on the composition of those sub- 

 stances, and would have to be settled by reference to a table 

 giving analyses of the common articles of diet. Two pounds 

 of bread and 3/4 pound (when uncooked) of lean meat, to- 

 gether with water and salt, will supply the demands ; but this 

 is an unusual diet. Or i pound of meat, I pound of bread 

 and l /4 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 food would keep a person indefinitely in good 

 health, His demands for nitrogen and carbon are always 



