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beyond the optimum quantity, in the hope to obtain an augmented protein
absorption. Thus, we showed in a summary of Table II that, with a practically
constant intake of nitrogen from rice but with a varying intake of nitrogen derived
from dal, no increase in nitrogenous metabolism accompanied an augmented
nitrogen content of the diet from dal.

     The figures in support of this view on the basis of batches of five men under
observation for five days are:—

That is, a certain amount of the protein of dal and rice is capable of being absorbed
from a diet composed of 26 ozs. of rice and 6 ozs. of dal, and, so far as our observa-
tions go, the amount of nitrogen provided by those 6 ozs. does not appear to make
any difference in the quantity of protein undergoing metabolism. The results
obtained in Puri j ail—Table III—bear this out; however, the quantities of nitro-
gen furnished in the different observations in that jail were too similar to afford
much assistance.

     The investigations in which gram dal was used show that practically the same
number of grms. of nitrogen undergo metabolism with 7 ozs. of gram dal as
when 6 ozs. of other dals are given. This is shown for Puri jail thus:—

Basis of five men under observation for five days.

In order to clear up the question whether 6 ozs. of dal gives the maximum nitrogen
absorption, or whether as good absorption would be obtained by decreasing or in-
creasing the amount of dal in the diet, the following observations were made.

     As there was no hope of having the full 26 ozs. of Burma rice consumed, the
investigations were carried out with a constant quantity of 20 ozs. of Burma rice.
This, of course, introduces a new factor compared with the conditions prevailing
when the full diet is given, as the reduction of the diet in bulk may allow of an
increased absorption of dal when given in quantities of 6 ozs. or even when those
quantities are increased. The investigations were arranged so that the five men