84 THE CHEMISTRY OF FOOD 



We know that it contains fat, for butter is obtained from it ; 

 and, under the microscope, the minute oil-globules may be 

 distinctly seen. 



21. In our country and climate, and also in colder climates, 

 fatty articles of food are principally derived from the animal 

 creation, such as meat or flesh, milk and butter. But most of 

 the bread-stuffs contain more or less fat or oil Indian meal 

 as much as nine parts in a hundred. 



22. Among persons living in cold climates, the appetite for 

 oleaginous food is especially eager ; and they require . large 

 quantities of it to enable them to resist the depressing influ- 

 ences of cold. Since vegetation is scanty and innutritious, and 

 the waters of the frozen regions abound in animal life, they 

 must rely wholly upon a diet derived from the latter source. 

 The Esquimau consumes daily from ten to fifteen pounds of 

 meat or blubber, a large proportion of which is fat. The 

 Laplander will drink train-oil, and regards tallow-candles as a 

 great delicacy. In hot climates, on the contrary, where flourish 

 the olive and the palm, this kind of food may be obtained 

 from vegetable sources in abundant quantities. (Read Notes 

 8 and 9.) 



8. The Necessity of Fat in the Food of Children. " Children who 

 dislike fat cause much anxiety to parents, for they are almost always thin, 

 and, if not diseased, are not healthy. If care be not taken, they fall into 

 a scrofulous condition, in which diseased joints, enlarged -glands, sore 

 eyes, and even consumption occur ; and every effort should be made to 

 overcome this dislike. If attention be given to this matter of diet, there 

 need be no anxiety about the possibility of increasing the quantity of food 

 consumed ; whilst the neglect, the dislike, will probably increase until 

 disease is produced. The chief period of growth viz., from seven to 

 sixteen years of age is the most important in this respect, for a store of 

 fat in the body is then essential. Those who are inclined to be fat usually 

 like fat in food, and then it may be desirable to limit its use. Some who 

 cannot eat it when hot like it when cold, and all should select that kind 

 which they prefer. Those living in Russia and Lapland devour very 

 large quantities as seven pounds daily and eat it even raw, while 

 those dwelling in hot countries use very little. It produces more heat 

 than any other kind of food." Edward Smith on Health. 



21. Whence are fatty articles of food derived ? 



22. Appetite of persons in cold climates ? What do they require ? Upon what must 

 theyreiy? Why? The Esquimau ? Laplander?' Olive and palm ? 



