The A.B.-Z. of our own nutrition

by Horace Fletcher

1. To determine with greater precision than has yet been possible the efficiency of the animal organism considered as a machine in which potential energy of the organic constituents of food is converted into mechanical work. The knowledge that we already possess has shown that in the animal we have an engine infinitely more efficient as a utiliser of the potential energy supplied to it than any appliance yet constructed, or which we can, in the present state of physical science, construct. A still more precise study of the actual efficiency of the animal as a whole, as well as of certain of the vital organs which are mainly concerned in mechanical work, and a more thorough investigation of the processes whereby—for instance, in the muscles—the potential energy of stored-up chemical compounds is, as appears certain, directly converted into mechanical work, is not only desirable in the interest of the ultimate object of the work of the Laboratory, but possesses a high degree of theoretical interest, even from the point of view of Pure Physics. To sum up: One of the first objects of the investigations to be carried out in the projected Laboratory should be “the more precise determination of the minimum transformation of energy which corresponds to mean and accurately determined conditions of the animal body, and of that of man in particular.”

2. We are acquainted with the fact that the potential energy which is utilised by the animal is supplied to it with the least wear and tear to, or strain upon, its mechanism by non-nitrogenous organic constituents of food which must belong to the groups of starches and sugars or fats, but that the continued existence of the organism demands, as an essential condition, the introduction of a certain proportion of albuminous matter. In spite of numerous very fine investigations on this subject, the yet more precise determination of the minimum quantity of the albuminous constituents which are absolutely necessary or desirable, under the most varying conditions, is eminently desirable, especially in the light of recently recorded facts, amongst which are those to be referred to under 3 (following):—

3. Certain very noteworthy observations made by Messrs. Horace Fletcher and Ernest H. Van Someren have shown that an excessively prolonged mastication and insalivation of food leads to remarkable results in respect to the diminution of the total quantity of food necessary to keep the body in a state of health, and to, as is alleged, a remarkable improvement in the digestive functions as well as of the general health of the individual. It appears highly important thoroughly to investigate the remarkable phenomena discovered by Messrs. Fletcher and Van Someren, and to determine how far they may lead to a modification of or improvement in the dietary of healthy individuals and of persons in a state of disease.

4. Indeed, it may truly be said that the average diet of man, that is to say, the absolute and relative amount of certain food-stuffs on which an average man should live, is at present, to a large extent, determined in an empirical manner. It is most necessary that this should be determined in an exact manner, since it is at least possible that a more complete knowledge may reveal that the good results thus obtained empirically are only reached by means of an excess of one element being counterbalanced by excess of another element, and thus open up a way to considerable economy. The changes needed for variations from the average, to meet certain conditions, are also at present, to a very large extent, determined empirically, and these also most certainly ought to be determined in an absolutely exact manner.

5. The researches of Pawlow on the conditions which influence the activity of the secreting glands of the organs of digestion, upon the relation of their activity to the nature of the food ingested, upon the influence exerted by the secretion of the glands situated in one part of the alimentary canal, upon the activity of glands situated lower down, indicate lines of research only recently opened out, but the importance of which in reference to the problems of nutrition is probably great.

6. Similarly, the facts which have in recent times been ascertained in reference to the remarkable influence exerted by the so-called “internal secretion” of certain ductless glands on the general metabolism, the part played by the pancreas in reference to the transformations of sugar in the body indicate yet other lines of research to be carried out in connection with the main inquiry.

In conclusion: The final problem of the work of the proposed Laboratory will be to ascertain the conditions which will “render it possible to obtain from the human machine, under varying conditions, the highest efficiency at the least cost.”

The value of results which may be thus obtained, considered from the point of view of social, political, and administrative economy, is hardly to be exaggerated.

Suggestions as to Staff and Personnel of the Proposed International Laboratory

For the coördination and general direction of the several investigations, the services of an eminent physiological chemist (preferably one having the principal European languages at his command) is essential.