AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 469 



Dr. Wellington — This is a valuable report, and the subject of 

 adaptation of food to this purpose is worthy of our most careful 

 attention, not only in feeding animals, but man. I am satisfied 

 from many experiments, that^od has a magnetic influence upon 

 the system, as well as nutritive. Hence the invigorating effect 

 we feel from taking food into the stomach, before it has digested. 

 This is the magnetic effect, and hence when it is necessary to in- 

 vigorate the parts of the system most affected by that subtle fluid, 

 we must take the right kind of food. I am satisfied that all kinds 

 of grain are better for nerve and brain work than roots or 

 edibles that mature out of sunlight. Of all food for this mag- 

 netic power, dry peas will give the most. Next, oats and ripe 

 grains eaten Avith the outer covering or bran. In short, no man 

 who feeds exclusively ujion potatoes can equal the eater of peas 

 and oats as a brain-worker, or any action that requires great 

 power of nerves and muscles. Magnetic food is hair or wool- 

 producing, and hence peas, beans, oats, &c., are fed to sheep to 

 increase the fleece. If a man is subjected to continual currents 

 of electricity, it will increase the growth of his hair and beard. 

 When a man is charged with electricity, the effect is very visible 

 upon his hair. The same effect, in a smaller degree, may be pro- 

 duced by food. It is a matter that needs investigation. The 

 fact that certain kinds of food give more agility to horses is well 

 known — the reason is not well understood. 



John Jay — Why does animal food refresh a man quicker than 

 vegetable ? 



Dr. Wellington — ^Because it gives off its electric power quicker, 

 and is sooner spent. For long endurance, or for continued mental 

 or muscular exertion, I have no doubt but a meal of pea soup, or 

 of oatmeal, or Graham bread will be found of far greater value. 



George E. Waring, jr., concurred generally Avith Dr. Welling- 

 ton as to the value of different kinds of food for different purpo- 

 ses; but he thought it would be hard work to induce farmers to 

 enter into the scientific research necessary to prove that oats were 

 better for horses because they contained a greater amount of latent 

 magnetism than potatoes. 



Some personal discussion ensued, upon which the Secretary 

 quoted the fundamental rules of this Club, viz. : Facts only can 

 be stated by the members. No argument is allowed. So that, 

 according to an illustration of this rule, given by Professor James 

 J. Mapes, several years ago, one member might say that he had 

 to relate an extraordinary fact to the Club, viz., that last night a 



