DR. STARE'S EXTERI3IENTS oti loon.—On the 12th of June 1769,
Dr. Stark began his experiments on food, by living on bread and water only. His daily allowance of bread was from 20 to 33 ounces troy weight ; of water, from 2 to 4 pints. He continued this regimen from the 12th of June to the 26thlof July, at which time the weight of his body was reduced from 12st. 31b. to l lst. 91b. but without having suffered any other material alteration either in spirits:or health. On the 26th of July, he began to use sugar with the bread and water ; for the first eight days to the quantity of 4 ounces only a-day, with 34 ounces of bread ; the six following days to the quantity of 8 ounces, with 30 ounces of bread. He remarked that the sugar increased the flow of saliva ; and, contrary to what might be imagined, that a less quantity of water was now required :to satisfy his thirst, than when he eat bread alone ; 2 pints being now sufficient, whereas, with bread alone, 31 pints were necessary. During the whole of the fortnight, his body was loose, and he had frequently a purging upon him ; but his appetite and general health were good. On the 10th of August, he began to take the sugar with reluctance, and on the 11th and 12th, with so great ab- horrence (as he expresses it), that on the 13th, he was obliged to desist. On the 14th lie began to experience other disagreeable -effects of his regimen; his gums became spungy and inflamed, with ulcerations on the inside of his mouth and cheeks : the inside of one of the nostrils was likewise red and inflamed; the purging increased, and was now attended with sickness and pain in his bow-els, and purple streaks were observed on his right shoulder. These alarming synip- toms obliged him to quit his sugar diet entirely, and adopt a diet of animal food with wine ; from the use of which, by the 18th, the preceding appearances were in a great measure removed ; and on the 24th, he was so far recovered as to make trial of another plan of regimen or diet.—Dr. .1: Thomson's Life:of . Dr. Cullen.
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