The" Energy Requirement of the Newborn. 109 



It is the purpose of this paper to report that a large number of 

 experiments have been performed on dogs to determine the rela- 

 tion of the vagus nerves to the sinus node. The experiments were 

 performed under ether; a small opening in the chest was made by 

 resecting one or two ribs, and both vagus nerves were dissected, 

 cut and laid on shield electrodes. Records were taken electro- 

 cardiographically. The results of stimulation of both vagus 

 nerves were first registered. Then the sinus node was carefully 

 clamped off with a suitable T-shaped clamp, all the tissue surround- 

 ing the node being crushed. Stimulation of both vagus nerves 

 was repeated and records were obtained. 



In the greater number of experiments, it could be shown that 

 stimulation of the vagus nerves after clamping the node was effec- 

 tual in producing effects on the rate and on the rhythm of the 

 heart in a way similar to that seen before the clamp was placed. 

 In a number of cases the effect of stimulation was more profound 

 after than before the clamping. The conclusion is therefore 

 warranted that the sinus node does not represent a simple relay 

 in the course of the vagus nerves. 



These experiments will be published in detail later, and the 

 histological examinations of the areas at which the clamp was 

 applied will be reported. 



67 (8? 4 ) 



The energy requirement of the new born. 



By H. C. Bailey and J. R. Murlin. 



[From the Physiological Laboratory of Cornell University and the 

 Maternity Wards of Bellevue Hospital.] 



To find whether it would be desirable from a physiological 

 standpoint to furnish some artificial food together with the 

 colostrum during the first three days of life, the energy require- 

 ment of the newborn was ascertained by means of a respiration 

 incubator. 



Series of cases from the wards of Bellevue Hospital show that 

 the initial weight loss averages over 250 gm. and that this loss is 

 increased by lengthening the interval of feedings and lessened by 



