RELATIONS OF HEAT TO FORCE 411 



One gram of proteid = about 4500 calories (gram- degrees). 



One gram of fat = about 9000 calories (gram-degrees). 



One gram of carbohydrate = about 4000 calories (gram-degrees). 



In the animal organism, a part of the potential energy of the tissues 

 may be converted into force by voluntary effort. In fevers, an abnor- 

 mally large proportion of the potential energy of the organism is con- 

 verted into heat, and it is not possible to use much of this energy as 

 force. These and other peculiarities of living bodies, as regards the pro- 

 duction of heat and force, are difficult of explanation. In the essential 

 fevers, the conditions which involve the abnormal production of heat 

 finally consume the substance of the tissues. They involve especially 

 an increased production of carbon dioxide and urea and not to any great 

 extent the formation of water. If heat-producing alimentary substances 

 and alcohol can be introduced and consumed, the tissues are thereby 

 proportionally saved from degeneration and destruction. 



