NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
1
77
By summing up these results and taking the average we obtain a fairly
true measure of the average amount of nitrogen contained in the fæces excreted
by prisoners of the United Provinces on the full jail dietaries sanctioned. It
will be evident from the results shown in detail above, that the percentage of
nitrogen in the fæces varies within very narrow limits whatever the diet may
be. We called attention to this in the work on the Bengal Jail Dietaries, in
which also the variations of the percentage of nitrogen in the
fæces were small,
even with absolutely dissimilar dietaries.
How do the results of the investigations work out ?
(a)
477
.91 lbs. of moist fæces contain 1914.46 grms. nitrogen.
(b)
34.65
„
„ ,,
,,
,,
151.27
„
„
(c)
108.75
„
„
„
„
„
588
.57
„
„
( d)
63.30
„
„
„
„
„
317.64
„
„
(e)
74.30
„
„
„
,,
„
305.24
„
„
( f )
132.50
„
„
„
„
„
645.08
,,
„
( g )
48.10 „ „ ,,
„
„
18 1.89
„
„
(h)
i.
76.00
„
„
„
„
„
343.08
„
„
(h) ii.
77. 5
7
„
„
„
„
„
245.47
„
„
(h)
iii. 72.08 „ „ „
„
„
262.93
„
„
(h)
iv.
35.90 „ „ „
„
„
119.33
„ „
(h)
v.
34.28
„
„ „
„
„
116.58
„
„
(h)
vi.
34.90 ,,
„ „
„
„
134.75
„
„
(h)
vii. 38.10 ,, ,,
„
„
„
156.55
„
„
Therefore 1,308.34 „ „ „
„
„
5,482.84
„
„
Therefore 1 lb. moist fæc es contains 4.19 grms. nitrogen.
i.e., 453.76 grms.
„ „
4.19
„
„
Therefore, the average percentage of nitrogen in the fæces works out to be
0.92 per cent.
As the average weight of fæces passed by prisoners on the full jail diet-
aries is 21 ozs., 21x4.19
/16 gives the average amount of nitrogen excreted by
prisoners in the fæces per man daily : this works out to be 5.4993 grms. of
nitrogen.
We have shown in Chapter III, when dealing with the average absorption
from the jail dietaries, that the average protein content of the dietaries was
16.7292 grms. of nitrogen, of which 11.286 grms. are absorbed, i.e., 5.4432
grms. nitrogen on the average are excreted in the fæces — a figure approxi-
mately identical with that determined above, viz., 5.4993 grms.
Numerous other observation s were made on the amount of nitrogen passed
in the fæces when diets were given; in which the several quantities of the
2A
178
different food-stuffs made up totals other than 18 chittacks. We shall give
some of the results and see what deductions can be drawn from them.
(i) Other diets in which the total quantity of food-materials was either
greater or less than 18 chittacks.
Five prisoners under observation for five days.
i. Whea
t
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
11 chittacks.
Arhar
.
.
. .
.
.
.
.
2 , ,
Vegetables
.
. .
.
.
.
3 , ,
Total quantity of fæces—27.38 lbs. containing 94.57 grms. of nitrogen.
Four prisoners under observation for five days.
ii. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
11½ c hi t t a c ks .
Arhar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Vegetables
. .
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—31.47 lbs. containing 83.26 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for six days.
iii. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
1 1 ½ c h i t t a c k s .
Gram
.
. .
.
.
.
.
.
2 , ,
Vegetables .
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 , ,
Total quantity of fæces—29.85 lbs. containing 125.14 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for five days.
iv. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
. .
.
14 chittacks.
Arhar
.
. .
.
.
.
.
2 , ,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 , ,
'Total quantity of fæces—29.69 lbs. containing 110.37 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for five days.
v. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 8 chittacks.
Barley
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 5 ,,
Arhar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
1 chittack.
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 chittacks.
Total quantity of fæces—27.98 lbs. containing 108.25 grms. of nitrogen.
179
Five prisoners under observation for six days.
vi. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 chittacks.
Barley
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
9 ,,
Arhar
.
. .
.
. . .
.
.
1 chittack.
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 chittacks.
Total quantity of fæces—39.44 lbs. containing 14
3.17 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for five days.
vii. Wheat
.
. .
. . . .
.
.
7 chittacks.
Bajra
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
7 , ,
Arha
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 , ,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 , ,
Total quantity of fæces—39.50 lbs. containing 14
9.52 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for two days and four prisoners
for three days.
viii. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
8 chittacks.
Bajra
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
4 ,,
Arhar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—28.70 lbs. containing 112.67 grins. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for five days.
ix. Wheat
.
. . . .
.
.
.
8 chittacks.
Bajra
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
6 ,,
Arhar
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
2 ,,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—38.62 lbs. containing 148.12 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for five days.
x. Wheat
. .
.
. . . .
5 chittacks.
Bajra
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
7 ,,
Arhar
. . . . . .
.
2 ,,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—29.20 lbs. containing 131.99 grms. of nitrogen.
2 A 2
180
Five prisoners under observation for six days.
xi. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
8 chittacks.
Bajra
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
4 ,,
Arha r
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables .
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—34.21 lbs. containing 131.91 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for six
days.
xii. Whea
t
. .
.
. .
.
.
. 10½ chittacks.
Gram .
.
.
.
. .
.
.
2½ ,,
Arha r
. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
1 chittack.
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
. 3 chittacks.
Total quantity of fæc
es—35.80 lbs. containing 138.52 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for six days.
xiii. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 10½ chittacks.
Gram
.
.
. .
.
.
.
.
2½ ,,
Arhar
.
.
.
.
. . .
.
1 chittack.
Vegetables
. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 chittacks.
Total quantity of fæces—26.20 lbs. containing 111.78 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for six days.
xiv. Whea
t
. . . . . .
.
. 10½ chittacks.
Gram
. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
2½ ,,
Arha
r
. . . . . .
. 1 chittack.
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 chittacks.
Total amount of fæc
es—38.13 lbs. containing 151.59 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for six days.
xv . Wheat
. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
8 chittacks.
Bajra
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
4 ,,
Arha r
. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—26.85 lbs. containing 119.07 grms. of nitrogen.
181
Six prisoners under observation for five days.
xvi. Wheat
. . . .
.
.
.
.
8 chittacks.
J
uar
.
.
. . . .
.
.
4 ,,
Arha r
.
. . .
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæc es—23.77 lbs. containing 104
.57 gr
ms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for six days.
xvii. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
. .
.
8 chittacks.
Bajra
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
6 ,,
Arha r
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—26.89 lbs. containing 143.29 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for six days.
xviii.
Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 chittacks.
Juar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
8
,,
Arhar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—17.41 lbs. containing 115.45 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for five days.
xi x. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
8 chittacks.
Jua
r
.
.
.
. .
.
.
.
6 ,,
Arha r
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—19.47 lbs. containing 101.24 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for six days.
xx. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
8 chittacks.
Barley
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
6 ,,
Arhar
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity offæces—33.90 lbs. containing 151.67 grms. of nitrogen.
182
Six prisoners under observation for twelve days.
xxi. Wheat
.
. . .
.
. .
. 11½ chittacks.
Arhar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—46.35 lbs. containing 224.54 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for four days.
xxii. Wheat
. .
.
.
.
.
.
. 5 chittacks.
Jua
r
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
7 ,,
Urid .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Gram .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—39.15 lbs. containing 145.50 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for four days.
xxiii. Wheat .
.
. . . . .
. 11½ chittacks.
Arha r
. .
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables .
.
.
.
.
. .
.
3 ,,
Total quantity of fæces—23.43 lbs. containing 100.50 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for four days.
xxiv. Wheat
. . . .
.
.
.
. 5 chittacks.
Juar .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 5 ,,
Urid
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Gram
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2 ,,
Vegetables .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 ,,
Total quantity offæces—35.41 lbs. containing 132.24 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for seven days.
xxv. Wheat
. .
.
.
. .
.
. 11½ chittacks.
Gram
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
1½ ,,
Arhar
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
1 chittack.
Vegetables
. .
.
.
.
. .
. 3 chittacks.
Total quantity of fæces—54.06 lbs. containing 19
6.04 grms. of nitrogen.
183
Five prisoners under observation for seven days.
xxvi. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
. . 13½ chittacks.
Gram
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2½ ,,
Arhar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 1 chittack.
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 3 chittacks.
Total quantity of fæces—67.46 lbs. containing 230.57 grms. of nitrogen.
Five prisoners under observation for seven days.
xxvii. Wheat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 10½ chittacks.
Gram
. . . .
.
. . .
2½ ,,
Arhar
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 1 chittack.
Vegetables
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3 chittacks.
Total quantity of fæces—47.42 lbs. containing 189.83 grms. of nitrogen.
We have in these 27 observations sufficient material from which to obtain
a fairly true measure of the average weight of fæces passed per man daily, the
average amount of nitrogen they contain and the percentage of nitrogen
in the fæces, when diets are made use of in which the total weight of the dry
food-stuffs is either greater or less than the amount sanctioned by the Jail
Code.
The results are as follows :—
Factor for
division (number
of prisoners
for number of
days.)
Total weight
of fæces.
lbs.
Total nitrogen
of fæces.
gr
ms.
i
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
25
27.38
94.57
ii
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
20
31.47
83.26
iii .
.
.
. . . . .
30
29.85
125.14
iv .
.
. . . . .
25
29.69
110.37
v
.
.
.
. . . . .
25
27.98
108.25
vi
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
30
39.44
143.17
vii . . . . . .
25
39.50
149 52
viii . . . . . . . .
22
28.70
112.67
i
x
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
25
38.62
148.12
x
.
.
.
. . . . .
25
29.20
131.99
xi
.
.
.
. . . . .
30
34.21
131.91
xii .
.
.
. . . . .
30
35.80
138.52
184
Factor for
division (number
of prisoners
for number of
days).
Total weight
of fæces.
lbs.
Total nitrogen
of fæces.
grms
xiii
. . . . . . . .
30
26.20
111.78
xiv .
.
.
. . . .
30
38.13
151.59
xv
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
30
26.85
119.07
xvi .
.
.
. . . . .
30
23.77
104.57
xvii .
.
.
.
. . . .
30
26.89
143.29
xviii .
.
. . . .
30
17.41
115.45
xix .
. . . . . .
.
25
19.47
101.24
xx
. . . . . . .
.
30
33.90
151.67
xxi
.
. . . . .
72
46.35
224.54
xxii
. . . . . . . .
20
3
9.15
145.50
xxiii .
. . . . . . .
20
23.43
100.50
xxiv
. . . . . . .
.
20
35.41
132.24
xxv .
.
. . . .
35
54.06
196.04
xxvi
. . . . . . . .
35
67.46
230.57
xxvii
. . . . . . . .
35
47.42
189.83
Adding these results together we get :—
Factor for division.
Total weight
of fæces.
lbs.
Total nitrogen
of fæces.
grms.
784
.
. . . . . .
917.74
3,695.37
Therefore, (1) The average weight of fæces passed is 1.17 lbs. or 18.72 ozs.
per man daily.
(2) The average quantity of nitrogen in the
fæces is 4.70 grms.
per man daily.
(3) The average percentage of nitrogen in the fæces works out
to be 0.88 per cent.
Contrasting these results with those obtained when the full jail dietaries
—18 chittacks of dry food-materials—were given, we fin
d the average weight
of the moist fæces passed, and the average amount of nitrogen contained in the
185
fæces are both lower : this is what would be expected as in the great majority
of these 27 observations the total weight of the dietaries was decreased.
On the other hand, the percentage of nitrogen in the fæces is practically
identical with that shown by the fæces when the prisoners were on the full jail
dietaries, viz., 0.88 and 0.92 per cent. respectively.
This again affords further proof of the constancy of the relative amount
of nitrogen in the fæces, however different the dietaries may be.
2B
186
CHAPTER IX.
The Relationship of Food to Physical Development.
In our report of the work on Bengal Jail Dietaries we discussed at some
length the problems in nutrition raised by Chittenden. We are exceedingly
interested in the question of the degree of nitrogenous interchange essential for
the proper well-being of the body, and on the effects of a low level of protein
metabolism. We have therefore tried to take advantage of every opportunity
this work on the food-stuffs of India affords of obtaining evidence of the effec
of food on the physical condition of the different races and tribes with whom
we have had to deal.
From the evidence we were able to collect in Bengal from observations on
students, servants, prisoners, inhabitants of Lower Bengal, Beharis, and on the
different hill-tribes around Darjeeling, we arrived at the conclusion that an
intimate connection exists between the physical development and general well-
being of a people and the level of nitrogenous interchange they attain, and that
diet is a powerful factor in determining the position of a tribe or race in the
scale of mankind. We found that, as was the case with the inhabitants of the
plains in Bengal so with the hill-tribes around Darjeeling, variations in the
amount of nitrogenous metabolism appear to be the determining factor of the
several causes that go to relegate, fix and maintain the position of a people,
tribe or race in the category of men. We showed with regard to the scale of
relative physical development, vigour and general muscularity, that the position
of the different races of Bengal was easily fixed. We gave the following list 1
showing the position of the different races or tribes and also indicating the
averag e levels of nitrog
en
ous metabolism attained :—
Nitrogen metabolised per kilo
of body-weight.
i. Bhutias,—Nepalese Bhutias
.
.
. 0.42 grm. (highly animal diet).
Tibetan and Bhotan
.
.
.
. 0.35 „
Sikkim Bhutias
.
.
.
.
. 0.25 „
ii. Nepalese
.
.
. . .
. 0.18 to 0.25 grm.
iii. Beharis
. . . .
. 0.145 grm.
iv. Bengalis and Ooriyas
.
.
.
. 0.116 „
We have no intention of going any deeper into the discussion of
Chittenden's views at present : suffice it to say, our work on the different races
and tribes of the provinces of India that we have investigated has afforded
ample evidence to force us to the conclusion that, in the growth and develop-
ment of an individual, tribe or race, parsimony in nutrition is, physiologically,
a false economy.
1
Scientific Memoirs, No. 37, page 222.
187
We shall now endeavour to bring forward the evidence we have been able
to obtain amongst the inhabitants of the United Provinces of the rôle played
by diet in the general development and well-being of the people.
This we shall take up under two headings :
—
I.—The evidence afforded by prisoners in the United Provinces.
II.—The evidence afforded by information collected from regimental
medical officers and from o
ther sources.
I.—
THE EVIDENCE AFFORDED BY PRISONERS IN THE UNITED PROVINCES.
We have shown that the jail dietaries of the United Provinces permit of
an average nitrogenous interchange of 11.286 grms. of nitrogen per man daily.
Contrasted with the prisoners in Orissa, Lower Bengal or Behar, this level of
protein metabolism is very much superior. In Orissa and Lower Bengal we
found that the average absorption was about 7.5 grms. and in Behar 9.5 grms.
of nitrogen per man daily. The jail dietaries of the United Provinces are
therefore very much superior to those in force in Bengal.
It would be a mistake, however, to suppose that the average dietaries of the
mass of the population outside the jails is on a par with the jail dietaries, or
that the inhabitants of the province attained on the average a level of nitrogen-
ous metabolism of 11.286 grms. of nitrogen per man daily. Such a supposi-
tion would be far from the truth.
This level of protein metabolism amongst prisoners is mainly due to the
large quantity of wheat given in their dietaries.
The poorer classes and small cultivator cannot afford to live on wheat to
anything like this extent ; bajra , juar, makka, ma
r
ua and barley are all made
use of in different parts of the Province as the staple food-stuffs, wheat, as
the principal item of the diet, being largely a luxury. It follows, therefore,
that the degree of nitrogenous interchange possible must be considerably lower
amongst the inhabitants in general than obtains with prisoners. Just what
level of protein metabolism the average inhabitant of the United Provinces
attains we are unable to state definitely ; but, from the knowledge of the per-
centages of absorption possible from the several food-materials, and from diets
investigated, similar in type to those in general use, it may be accepted that an
average of 9 to 9.5 grms. of nitrogen is metabolised daily. This amount is
decidedly superior to what was found for the level of nitrogenous metabolism
with the Bengali and Behari, viz., 6 grms. daily in the case of the Bengali and
8 grms. daily in the case of the Beha
ri.
The following note from the Imperial Gazetteer of India affords some
additional information on the food of the inhabitants of the United Provinces :
2 B 2
188
" The two principal meals are taken in the morning and evening and consist
of unleavened cakes called chapatis, made of flour of wheat, barley or millet
(bajra, juar or marua), according to the means of the consumer. With these
are eaten vegetables and pulse cooked with clarified butter ( ghi). Rice is often
substituted in the central and eastern districts, but is less used in the West,
except by the well-to-do. Sweet cakes are eaten in the middle of the day or
early afternoon and often at the evening meal. Mutton and beef are uni-
versally used by the Musalmans, and mutton by the high-caste Hindus of the
Saiva sects, and by the lower caste Hindus when they can afford it. The
poorest classes make their principal meal in the evening, and in the morning eat
some parched grain or gram in the western districts, barley or rice in the eastern
and maize everywhere. Mangoes and, where found, the mahua flower (Ba
ssia
latifolia), form an important addition in the hot season. Potatoes are com-
monly eaten in the hills, and their use is spreading in the plains."
" In 1901, out of total population of 47,691,782, Hindus numbered
40,691,818, or more than 85 per cent., and Musalmans 6,731,034, or 14 per
cent. The Musalmans dwelling in the Provinces are more prolific than the
Hindus, and longer lived, partly because, on the whole they are better off,
enjoy a more liberal diet, form a large proportion of the total in the more
prosperous western districts, do not practise child-marriage largely and allow
re-marriage of widows."
What evidence is there that the effect of the higher level of protein
metabolism amongst the inhabitants of the United Provinces is to the advan-
tage of their physical development and general well-being ?
From observations on representatives of the inhabitants within the prisons
where investigations were carried out, we would have no hesitation in saying
that, compared with the same classes in the jails of Lower Bengal, on the
average the inhabitants of the United Provinces are on a distinctly higher
plane of physical development. The general muscularity of the body is de-
cidedly better and their capabilities for labour are greater. They are smarter
on their feet, more brisk and more alive to the incidents of every-day life,
and they do not present such slackness and tonelessness as one is accustomed
to observe in the people of Lower Bengal.
The body-weight, and what is in reality of most importance, the actual
quantity of protoplasmic tissues, is also on a higher scale of development.
The average weight of the inhabitants of Bengal, including Behar, has
been estimated at 50. 0 kilos.1
From observations on weighments of over 2,000 prisoners in the jails of
the United Provinces, the average body-weight of the prisoner may be accepted
1
S c i e n t i f i c M e m o i r s , N o . 3 4 .
189
to be about 54 to 56 kilos. Taking the average body-weight at 55 kilos and
the protein metabolism at 9.25 grms. of nitrogen per man daily, this would
mean a daily interchange of 0.168 grms. of nitrogen per kilo of body-weight,
as compared with 0.116 grm. per kilo of body-weight in the case of the Ben
- gali and Ooriya, and 0.145 grm. with the Behari.
The prisoners of the United Provinces with their average level of 11.286
grms. of nitrogenous metabolism show an interchange of 0.205 grm. of nitro
- gen per kilo of body-weight, compared with 0.151 grm. of nitrogen in Bengali
prisoners and 0.173 grm. of nitrogen in Behari prisoners per kilo of body-
weight.
It may, therefore, be accepted, so far as the evidence afforded by prisoners
goes, that on an average they attain a protein metabolism of 0.205 grm. of
nitrogen per kilo of body-weight (a quantity very much in excess of what
Chittenden would consider sufficient, viz., 0.12 grm.) ; that the average body-
weight may be taken at 55 kilos.; that the average level of nitrogenous meta-
bolism attained by the general population of the provinces is about 0.168 grm.
of nitrogen per kilo of body-weight ; that the people of the United Provinces
are better fed, better developed physically, more capable of hard work, hardier
and more alive than the average inhabitant of Bengal of the same class.
The United Provinces contain several of the different tribes or races that
have been found suitable for warlike purposes. Thus, there are the Brahmins,
Rajputs, Jats, etc., and others who present the necessary characteristics and
qualities that go to make up the soldier. We shall have more to say on these
races under our next heading ; all we need say at present is that the evidence
would clearly point to a close relationship between the level of protein inter-
change and the degree of physical development to be expected. Practically
all other explanations, that have been put forward to account for the poor
physique of the races on a low level of protein metabolism, can be successfully
met by a comparison of the inhabitants of the United Provinces with the people
of Bengal. Early marriages, actinic rays of the sun, sexual excesses, etc., are,
to all intents and purposes, the same in the United Provinces as in Bengal.
Climate does differ in the two provinces to some extent : in Bengal the tempera-
ture is lower and humidity higher than in the United Provinces ; but, while
the climate of the United Provinces is on the whole perhaps less depressing
than that of Bengal, the difference is not such as to be able to account for the
well recognised characteristics of the Bengali and those of the fighting races
of the plains of Agra and Oudh. We have nothing to add to what has already
been pointed out1 with regard to this except to affirm again our strong belief in
the efficacy of a liberal diet, and more particularly a sufficiently liberal degree
1
S c i e n t i f i c M e m o i r s , N o . 3 7 , p a g e 2 1 0 .
•