Quite interesting are the results of the experience of the English trainers Symes, Maclarn, Worthington, Baelz, etc., with reference to the reduction of corpulence. Among the directions for training, both in England and in America, is the recommendation to use drinks in great moderation or even to abstain from them altogether (one-half pint [one-quarter litre] of tea with every meal). The food is not of so much consequence, only very fat dishes are to be avoided, but whatever is eaten should be so prepared as to contain little water, and since meat which is boiled down or fried is said to retain little water it would be appropriate for the reduction of fat. At the same time the abstraction of water from the body is aimed at in every way, by increased perspiration and by laxatives, especially sulphate of mag nesia (in 40-gm. closes). According to the further experience of the trainers an increased ingestion of fluids—several glasses of water or beer—is said to raise the body weight at once by several pounds. The same statement, that during the reduction of obesity an increased consumption of liquids (water) may immediately raise the weight again, has been for years repeated to me by observing patients.
Confirmatory observations as to the influence of diminished inges tion of fluids upon the reduction of fat are on record in large number by Lorenz, Rapp, Hausmann, Glax, Mazepper, A. Schmidt, and others.
As to the results of fattening animals by the aid of a plentiful in gestion of water Dancel may be cited; otherwise no experiments in this direction have been published.
Finally the development of fat is said to be favorably influenced, according to the observations on syphilitic patients, by treatment with mercurials (Fisch) and, in accordance with general experience, by the use of arsenic. The employment of the latter drug in animals (horses) in order to give them a pleasing plumpness, is likewise well known.
The causal factor of an improper nutrition is not only related to the following, but might be brought into direct connection with it.