NUTKITIOX. 231 



development, as affected by external forces. The 

 first point I wish to insist on is that nutrition may 

 be expressed by (A) trophic, or material visible 

 signs; (B) kinetic, or motor signs, the direct out- 

 come of nutrition. The trophic signs are commonly 

 known; the kinetic signs are perhaps too often 

 passed over with scant notice. As evidence that 

 kinetic signs or movements, and the results of 

 movements, may express nutrition, let us examine 

 a few examples. 



(1) In an ill-nourished infant spontaneous move- 

 ment is much lessened, or the child may lie almost 

 motionless, instead of being constantly full of move- 

 ment while awake. The return of spontaneous 

 movement is a sign of the improved nutrition. 



(2) In a man after a severe illness, such as a 

 fever, the tone of the voice is usually altered so 

 that we can no longer recognize the individual by 

 his voice. This motor sign indicates, as well as the 

 worn countenance, the man's lowered nutrition. 

 Returning health is indicated by the patient " look- 

 ing like himself " and " recovering his old voice." 



(3) In a child seven years old emaciation and 

 ill nutrition, indicated by loss of weight, may be 

 accompanied by chorea or finger-twitching, which 

 disappears when weight increases and nutrition is 

 improved. 



(4) A strong well-nourished man is less fidgety 

 than a weak one. 



Now as to the expression of nutrition by trophic 

 signs. Proportional development is often an 

 indication of conditions of nutrition. A seedling 



