The philosophy of eating. By Albert J. Bellows, M.D.

24

ANALYSIS OF WHEAT.

But the average distribution of these elements more
nearly corresponds with the requirements of the human
system, under ordinary circumstances, than any other
grain; and life and health can be continued on wheat
alone for an indefinite period, with good water and
good air. Wheat will, therefore, be the standard by
which to compare other articles of food.
Analysis of Wheat.
The average Composition of one hundred Parts.
Water,....... 14. r. Water, 14.0
Gluten,...... 12.8 Nitrates, or muscleAlbumen,..... 1.8 makers... 14.6
Starch,...... 59.7 Carbonates, or heat
Sugar,....... 5.5 or,] and fat-producers, 69.8
Gum,........ 1.7 Phosphates, or food
Fat,......... 1.2
Fatibr1e,2 1I.2.... 1. for brains, nerves,
Fibre,. -2...... 1.7 &c....... 2.0
Minerals,...... 1.6
These principles are made up of the fourteen elements which constitute the human system, and the
proportion of the muscle-making, the heat-producing,
and brain and nerve-feeding elements, are about the
average proportions required, in moderate weather,
with moderate exercise of physical and mental faculties. But the distribution of these elements is not
equal in all parts of the grain; and this, we shall see,
is very important to be understood, as ignorance of this
fact has led to the sacrifice of the most important elements. This we can understand by reference to the
following wood cuts: Fig. 1 being the natural size of