New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-12-06
THE PROPER THINGS TO EAT.

One of the questions on which expert opinion
has been Sipgularly divided relates to the amount
of food required by a man to keep him in work
ing condition Two or three years ago rather
convincing evidence was presented TO show that
Surprisingly little would serve the purpose To
that side of the discussion valuable contribu-
ton was made by Professor Chittenden, Of Yale
University In illustration of the doctrine he
cited the case of an acquaintance who for more
than wear consumed much less than other per
SONS not only without detriment TO his health,
but apparently with distinct benefit. The argu-
ment was reinforced subsequently by the result
Of tests of a number of United States soldiers
ON whom Professor Chittenden was permitted to
experiment. Though we are not sure that the
New Haven Psychologist recommended the selec-
ton of simple and possibly unnViting articles or
diet other advocates OF limited indulgence DID.
To some extent dietetic reformers have mini
mixed the Importance of appetite while recon-
mending diminished consumption
The other party Is now 10 the bat. One Of its
renresantatives. american Medicine" In it's
latest issue declares that the physiological
value Of flavor" is not sufficiently recognized It
argues that an appeal to the palate is essential
to digestion and that a craving for daintles
Though of low nutritive value) is natural 1t
believes that the inadequacy Of plain food Is
established by the fact that the lower races,
(which subsist on plain and UNMARRIED food, are
inefficient workmen," but give a better account
Of themselves on richer diet Possibly Amer
lean Medicine" overlooks other explanations Of
the differences in the quantity and quality of
work, performed by Europeans and most Of the
Asiatics. 1t also seems TO ignore the danger
that Il person in eating things Of which he is
particularly fond may take more than is good
for him. At any rate, the periodical just men
toned is disposed to regard dettcGteSseD as
STAPLES and "luxuries' as 'necessaries."
Here YOU have both sides of the ca Sc, and both
are partly right How TO support large family
with small income-to say nothing of loss OF
ennIovment and unforeseen doctors bills--is
complicated problem which millions Of fathers
and mothers are called upon TO solve. Close
calculation of the expenditure for the table Is
absolutely essential TO get the best result Econ
onv there deserves the first consideration and
pleasure must take the second place. On the
other hand, even among those OF modest means
certain amount of variety IN their fare 10 GER
tainlv conducive to welbeing, and the occasional
Indulgence in spread" even by the poor be-
trays a craving which may, after all, be entirely
normal Furthermore, 1t is the testimony OF
thousands who ere so circumstanced that they
can mt their own useful activities ahead OF
everything else that generous living is often
help in realizing this worthy ambition.
The truth is, no universal rule can be laid
down regarding diet No two persons con-
stItuted precisely alike. One may digest so
much more readily than his nelghbor that he
will get more nourishment from given quantity
of food Even slipping fluids slowly and chew
ing solids with elaboration doth commerGnble
pra ctices) will not always establish equality
with person who car safely eat with rapidity.
II is a notorious fact, too, that dishes which
agree with one person disagree with another.