FOOD. 223 



diet would be suitable only for those possessing strong digestive powers. 

 It is a well- known fact that the diet of the continental nations differs 

 from that of our own country, and that of cold from that of hot climates; 

 but the same principle underlies them all, viz., replacement of the loss 

 of the excreta in the most convenient and economical way possible. 

 Without going into detail in the matter, it may be said that any one in 

 active work requires more nitrogenous matter than one at rest, and that 

 children and women require less than adult men. 



The quantity of food for a healthy adult man of average height and 

 weight may be stated in the following table: 



Table of Water and Food required for a Healthy Adult. (Parkes.) 



In laborious Af . 

 occupation. 



Nitrogenous substances, e.g., flesh 6 to 7 oz. av. 2 -5 oz. 



Fats 3 '5 to 4-5 oz. 1 oz. 



Carbo-hydrates . . . . 16 to 18 oz. 12 oz. 



Salts 1.2 to 1.5 oz. .5 oz. 



26'7 to 31 oz. 16 oz. 



The above is the dry food; but as this is nearly always combined with 

 50 to 60 per cent, of water, these numbers should be doubled, and they 

 would then be 52 to 60 oz., and 32 oz. of so called solid food, and to this 

 should be added 50 to 80 oz. of fluid. 



Full diet scale for an adult male in hospital (St. Bartholomew's 



Hospital}. 



Breakfast. 1 pint of tea (with milk and sugar), bread and butter. 



Dinner. -J-lb. of cooked meat, |lb. potatoes, bread and beer. 



Tea. 1 pint of tea, bread and butter. 



Supper. Bread and butter, beer. 



Daily allowance to each patient. 2 pints of tea, with milk and sugar; 

 14 oz. bread; \ Ib. of cooked meat: lb. potatoes: 2 pints of beer, 1 oz. 

 butter. 31 oz" solid, and 4 pints (80 oz.), liquid. 



