SECTIONS OF FOODS AND TEXTILES. 169 



is of great public interest even as it is shown, is less attractive than it 

 should be. There is no space in the hall for an additional case, how- 

 ever, and therefore no encouraging prospect for a better display in the 

 near future. In these cases are shown the constituents of the human 

 body and of foods, in such a manner as to illustrate the subject of nutri- 

 tion and the value of food. There are several series of specimens, ar- 

 ranged in the following order: 



(1) Chemical elements shown in the proportions by weight in which 

 they exist in the human body. The plan and design of this exhibit 

 will be clearly understood from one of the labels which reads as 

 follows : 



CHEMICAL ELEMENTS OF THE HUMAN BODY. 



CARBON. 



The body of a man weighing 154 pounds would con- 

 tain about 31 pounds of Carbon, which amount is shown 

 in the form of anthracite coal. 



The diamond is nearly pure carbon. Graphite (the so-called u black 

 lead" of lead pencils), Anthracite Coal, Coke, Lamp-black, and Charcoal 

 are impure forms of carbon. 



Carbon exists in combination with other elements in the body, of which 

 it makes about one-fifth the whole weight, and in food. 



Carbon burns, i. e., combines, with oxygen. In this combustion, heat 

 and force are generated and carbonic acid gas formed. The carbon taken 

 into the body in food is burned in this way by the oxygen of the inhaled 

 air, yielding heat to keep the body warm, and force, muscular strength, 

 for work. The carbonic acid is given out by the lungs and skin. Car- 

 bon thus serves as fuel for the body and is the most important fuel 

 element. 



(2) Chemical compounds in the human body, shown in their proper 

 proportions. A specimen label reads : 



CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OF THE HUMAN BODY. 



NEUTRAL FATS. 



The body of a man weighing 154 pounds contains 

 about 22 i pounds of fat, the quantity shown. 



Human fat consists of Stearin, Palmitin, and Olein, 



