PRESS OF
W. B. SAUNDERS COMPANY
PHILADELPHIA
In Loving Memory
of
HELEN WORTHING WEBSTER, M. D.
Professor of Physiology and Hygiene and Resident Physician at Vassar College
from 1874 to 1881
An untiring worker of charming and inspiring personality,
the living embodiment of all that was womanly,
great hearted, and noble.
This book is affectionately dedicated as a slight tribute of
the esteem in which she was held, and in grateful acknowledgment
of the value of her teachings
By her former pupil
The Author
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
Since the writing of this book six years ago the entire subject of digestion has been revised by scientific research, and thanks to the same scientists the nutritive value of the various food-stuffs has been ascertained. The importance of this knowledge is so great that educators are now making an endeavor to have the nutritive value of artificial and canned goods placed on their labels; and the New York Board of Health has requested a large Chain of Restaurants to have the nutritive value of foods printed, beside the cost of the various articles, on their bill of fare.