No; for although it contains similar elements to those in mother's milk, they are not identical, and they are not present in the same proportions.
Is this a matter of much importance?
It is of the greatest importance. There are few infants who can digest cow's milk unless it is changed. To change cow's milk so as to make it more nearly resemble mother's milk is called modifying cow's milk.
How is this milk whose proportions have been changed distinguished from the original unchanged milk?
The changed milk is usually called "modified milk"? the original unchanged milk is known as "plain milk," "whole milk," "straight milk," or is referred to simply as "milk."
What are the principal differences between cow's milk and mother's milk?
Cow's milk has a little more than half as much sugar; it has nearly three times as much proteids and salts; its proteids are different and much more difficult of digestion; its reaction is decidedly acid, that of mother's milk is faintly acid or neutral.
Are there any other important things to be considered?
Yes; mother's milk is always fed fresh and is practically sterile. Cow's milk is generally kept twenty-four hours and sometimes much longer. It is always to a greater or less degree contaminated by dirt and germs, the number of which increases rapidly (1) with the age of the milk; (2) in proportion to amount of the dust or dirt which enters it; (3) with any increase in the temperature at which the milk is kept.
It is just as important for success in infant feeding that these conditions receive attention as that the proportions of the different elements of the milk are right.