re to gain on the part of an infant
whose chief business in life should be to grow, should be given
immediate and careful attention. As a rule the diet is to blame; it is
either improperly balanced, insufficient in amount, or poorly
prepared, any of which might readily cause a disturbance to the
delicate apparatus of the child.

~Diet and Habits.~--In adults, the diet and habits of life are in many
cases to blame for the excessive thinness seen in many individuals. If
the trouble can be traced to some abnormal condition, it can only be
removed by relieving or checking the disease which induced it. The
older methods of treating typhoid fever, for example, did nothing to
prevent the progressive emaciation which was the result not only of
the accelerated metabolism from the fever but also from the invasion
of the intestinal tract by the specific bacteria which brought about a
like result. In tuberculosis a similar breaking down of the tissues
occurs, as is likewise the case in anemia and other diseases in which
the functions of the blood-making organs are interfered with. Any of
the above diseases may cause emaciation, and the treatment in most of
the cases resolves itself in removing the cause as far as possible and
in adjusting the diet.

~Selection of Food.~--The dietetic treatment for emaciation is
practically the only one which will materially change the weight of
the individual, since by food alone is the body built. Certain foods
are more capable of being readily converted into adipose tissue than
others, and these must have a prominent place in the dietary.

~Rules and Regulations.~--In obesity it was found that it was
necessary to curtail the sleep and rest, increase the amount of
exercise and decrease the amount of food. In emaciation practically an
opposite regime is adopted. The patient is urged to eat plenteously,
drink copiously of water and nutrient beverages, soup, etc., avoid
worry and excitement, over-exertion and indigestion, to take one or
two naps every day, to retire early, to avoid hot baths and take a
warm cleansing bath followed by a cold shower or sponge bath. Exercise
must be of a mild character; the patient must be warned against
becoming exhausted, since this condition precludes a gain in weight.

~Dietetic Treatment.~--The meals must be carefully selected, well
prepared and daintily served, that all of the psychical benefits from
such efforts may be attained. A nutrient beverage such as cr