The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-11-08

the earlier generations but if cone tinued through a long iir1o eventuals ly brings degenerat A steady de- cline both in fertility and in size and vigor or vitality finally ter- inmates the experiment. In animal economy it is generally recognized as essential to add new blood to the strain or family at not too great intervals to prevent this decline in size, vigor and reproductive capaci.
 There is no ground for the notion that monstrosities or defective chil- dren result from the mating of closely related individuals. Of course if there Is any inherent trait in the family, the marriage of first cousins, for example, would inc crease by 100 per cent the chance of transmitting the trait to off- spring.
 Because of the universal prohibi- tion of close inter-marriage 1t is difficult to learn what would be the ultimate effect of close inbreeding for many generations of man-be- ginning with normal individuals. Something of the sort occurred on Pitcairn Island, where ten sailors. deserters from the Bounty, estab- lished themselves, with six native men and twelve native women. After twenty years the sole sure vivors of this party, on an island one mile wide, two miles long, were one Englishman and eight or nine women and their children. After 61 years the population of the island has increased to 200-and 1t began to be crowded. Then the British government granted their petition and removed them to Norfolk Island where they might have more room. Fifty years later the population of Norfolk Island was 070, mostly de. scendants of the Pitcairn Islanders. Some of them later voluntarily re- turned to Pitcairn. Tn all perhaps Q thousand persons, out of Q cross be- tween English men and Tahitlan women and close inbree6ing among their children. So far as the ex. pertinent went the results were ex. cellent biologically and sociologl. cally.
 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
 Up and Doing
 How soon after appendectomy may one take exercise? How may one avoid accumulation of fat around hips after such an opera ton, and the feeling of apathy and sleepinesS and flabby tumny? (M. W. nN
 Answer-As e rule patient should begin exercises in bed week after operation. Gradually getting back into all ordinary activities Q month to six weeks after operation. This policy not only promotes better healing and prevents certain conls plications but also prevents the ull- pleasant consequences of too pros longed inactivity you describe. N
 Benxoate of Soda
 Is 1t harmful to use ben1oate of soda in making catsup and In canned tomatoes etc? Formerly no. noticed 1t on labels, but not so often now. Is 1t unnecessary to mention 1t on the label now? co. E. O.
 Answer-Benzoate of soda and other chemical preservatives are less frequently used today, because can- ners have learned that If the food is perfectly fresh and clean and fit to eat when canned, no such ern. balming Is necessary to preserve It perfectly.
 Booze, Beriberi and Pellagrs
 Does drinking liquor cause neu. ritisp Does drinking liquor cause pellagra? (Mrs. R. B.
 Answer-Steady or periodic hard drinkers are more likely to sui. fer from multiple neuritis because they take little food when on c bout, and hence their daily Ntamir B intake is extremely low. No doubt the same explanation holds true ,n pellagra-the vitamin G intake is low, and deficiency of vitagin G is the cause of pellagra. (C,onvripht iQ3T .Tohn " nlllA C0Y