The Chemistry of Cookery

very carefully, are at direct variance. I suspect that both are right, as its presence or absence is variable, and appears to depend on the condition of the subject of the experiment. Favre describes a special nitrogenous acid which he discovered in sweat, and names it _hydrotic_ or _sudoric acid_. Its composition corresponds, according to his analysis, to the formula C_{10}H_{8}NO_{13}. I have summarised these facts, as they show clearly enough that conclusions based on an examination of the quantity of nitrogen excreted by the kidneys alone (and such is the sole basis of the modern theories), are of little or no value in determining whether or not muscular work is accompanied with degradation of muscular tissue. The well known fact that the total quantity of excretory work done by the skin increases with muscular work, while that from the kidneys rather diminishes, indicates in the plainest possible manner that an examination of the skin secretion should be primary in connection with this question. To entirely neglect this in such a research is a scientific parallel to the histrionic feat of performing the tragedy of ‘Hamlet’ with the Prince of Denmark omitted. Seeing that it has been entirely neglected, I am justified in expressing, very plainly and positively, my opinion of the worthlessness of all the modern research upon which the alleged refutation of Liebig’s theory of the destruction and renewal of living tissue in the performance of vital work is based, and my rejection of the modern alternative hypothesis concerning the manner in which food supplies the material demanded for muscular and mental work. I may be accused of rashness and presumption in thus attempting to stem the overwhelming current of modern scientific progress. Such, however, is not the case. It is modern scientific _fashion_, rather than scientific _progress_, that I oppose. We have too much of this millinery spirit in the scientific world just now; too much eagerness to run after ‘the last thing out,’ and assume, with undue readiness, that the ‘latest researches’ are, of course, the best—especially where fashionable physicians are concerned. Having summarised Liebig’s theory