carbon 4,500 grains (or 300 grammes), and nitrogen, 300 grains (or 20 grammes).  Now let us suppose a person to feed on bread only.  In order to obtain the necessary quantity of nitrogen to repair this waste he would have to eat nearly 4-1/4 lbs. daily....  He would be compelled to take about double the quantity of carbon required in order to obtain the necessary weight of nitrogen....  Next, let us suppose that he feeds on lean meat only.  Then, in order to obtain the necessary quantity of carbon, he must eat no less than 6-1/2 lbs. daily....  In this case we notice a similar waste of nitrogen, the removal of which would give an undue amount of work to the organs concerned....  But it is possible to take such a mixed diet of bread and meat as will supply all the requirements of the system, and at the same time yield but little waste material.” (These extracts are from Furneaux, the next is from Kirke.  The figures and argument is the same in each, but we have chosen those sentences for quotation which are the briefest and most suitable; certain calculations being omitted.) “A combination of bread and meat would supply much more economically what was necessary ... so that 3/4 lbs. of meat, and less than 2 lbs. of bread would supply all the needful carbon and nitrogen with but little waste.  From these facts it will be plain that a mixed diet is the best and most economical food for man; and the result of experience entirely coincides with what might have been anticipated on theoretical grounds only.”  Professor Huxley, in his “Elementary Physiology” uses almost the same figures and argument.

The adoption of this high proteid or nitrogen figure would lead to some ridiculous conclusions.  One writer states that 18 eggs would contain sufficient flesh forming substance for a day’s ration, but a very much larger quantity would be required to supply enough carbon.  On the other hand, Professor Church says that, no less than 70 lbs. of pears would have to be eaten per day, to supply the necessary quantity of nitrogen; although the carbon would be in excess.  The curious may calculate the proper quantity of each that would make a theoretically perfect dietary.  People are apt to assume that what they themselves eat, or what their class, race, or nation eat, is the proper and necessary diet; at least as far as the elementary constituents and quantities are concerned.  The error is in attempting to make a vegetarian diet, however contrary to common sense and the experience of the greater part of the earth’s inhabitants, agree in composition with the ordinary lavish flesh dietary of the well-to-do European.  It is significant that John Bull is caricatured with a large abdomen and a coarse, ruddy, if not inflamed face, indicative of his hearty dining on flesh, coarse food and alcoholic drinks.  An unhealthy short lived individual.  Even if we accept a high proportion of proteid, it is possible to combine purely vegetable foods so as to give the required quantity of the various constituents,