Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-11-23
ANIMAL OXIDATION.

ANIMAL OXIDATION.
In the animal body the food is the fuel.
With proper supply of oxygen we attain the
heat given out during the oXydation or COM
buston of that fuel. In winter, when we take
exercise in a cold atmosphere, and when, con-
sequcntly, the amount of inspired oxygen in
creases the necessity for food containing car
bon and hydrogen increases in the same ratio
and by gratifying the appetite thus excited,
We obtain the most efficient protection against
the most piercing cold. The oxygen taken in
to the system is given out again in the same
! form both in winter and in summer. We ex-
| pire more carbon at low temperature, and re-
quire more or less carbon in our food in the
same proportion and consequently more is
required in Sweden than in Sicily; and in our
own country, an eighth more in winter than IN
summer. Even If an equal weight OF food is
consumed in hot and cold climates, Infinite
Wisdom has ordained that very unequal pro-
portions of carbon shall be taken in it. The
fruits used by Inhabitants of southern chimes
do not contain, in a fresh state, more than IL
per cent Of carbon, while the bubber and train
oil which feed the inhabitants of polar regions
contain &c to so per centnm of the element.
| From the same cause, it is comparatively easy
to be temperate in warm climates, or to bear
hunger for long time under the equator; but
cold and hunger united very soon produce ex-
hauston. The animals OF prey in the arctic
| regions, as every one knows, far exceed in yo-
racity those Of the tOrrid zone. In cold and
temperate climates, the air, which incesSantly
| strives TO consume the body. urges man to Ia
| borious efforts, in order to furnish means OF
resistance to its action, while in the hot CHI
mates the necessity of labor 10 provide food
| is far less urgent. Our clothing is merely an
! equivalent for certain amount OF food. The
| more warmly we are clothed, the less urgent
becomes the appetite for food, because the
| loss of heat by cooling, and consequently, the
amount of heat to be supplied by the food is
| diminished.
According to the preceding cxpositions, the
| quantity of food is regulated by the number
| of respirations, by the temperature OF the air,
and by the amount OF heat given off to the
! surrounding medium. The unequal loss of
| heat in summer and winter, in cold and hot
| climates, is not the only cause which renders
necessary the unequal quantities of food.
| There are other causes which exert very de-
| cided influence on the amount of food requir-
| ed. To these causes belong bodily exercise,
/ and all kinds of bodily labor and eXertion.
| The consumption of mechanical force in the
| body is always equal to waste of matter in
the body, and this must be restored in the food.
| When man animal works, certain "a
mount of food must be added. Increased
work and effort, without d corresponding in
| crease of food, cannot be continued for any
! length of time the health Of the man or ami
| NAL soon gives way.
| The first effects of starvation is the diSap-
! pearance of fat. It's carbon and hydrogen have
! been given off through the skin and lungs, in
! the form of oXydized products. 1t is obvious
| that they have served TO support respiration.
| In the case of starving man, 32a ounces OF
oxygen enter the system daily, and are given
out in combination with part of the body. 1t
has been demonstrated clearly that the inhaled
| oxygen, in the respiratory process, makes a
selection among the substances which are ca
| pable of entering into combination with it, 1t
combines first and chiefly with those that have
! the greatest attraction for it. In the process
| Of starvation, however, it is not only the fat
which disappears, but also, by degrees, al
such of the solids as are capable of being dis
| solved. In the wasted bodies of those who
have suffered starvation, the muscles are
shrunk and unnaturally soft, ,and have lost THEN
! contractiltiy. Towards the end, the PARTICLES
| of the brain begin to undergo the process OF
! oxydaton, and delirium and death close the
! scene.