ARTIFICIAL METHODS OF FEEDING 



819 



dissolved should be a normal 0.9 per cent saline, freshly distilled and ster- 

 ilized. This, of course, furnishes 110 protein and the patient would have 

 to burn his own protein, although a certain amount would be spared on 

 account of the glucose. Whether later it will be found possible to incorpo- 

 rate blood serum or some form of amino-acid compound to supply the 

 protein of the diet must remain for future investigation. Intravenous 

 feeding must at best be only for very temporary use in exceptional cases. 

 The use of glucose solutions for the other demands mentioned will be 

 found under their appropriate heading in Diabetes Mellitus, Acute Infec- 

 tions, and Renal Disease, q. v. 



