LONG LIFE RECIPES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 135, 20 March 1931, Page 8

LONG LIFE RECIPES.

NO KNIFE OR FORK. SCENT BEFORE A TEALS. The only “futurist” member of the Italian Academy and the oldest doctor in France both have very definite, if controversial, theories on the problem of diet. Signor Marinetti, the former, has issued a “manifesto of futurist cooking,” in which he declares that the macaroni beloved of Italians must go. Chemists, lie says, must find a substitute containing nutrition in the form of powder or pills. According to Signor Marinetti s “manifesto,” not only the dreams, but the thoughts and actions of human beings depend upon what they eat and drink. Comprehension of the argument of this manifesto is rendered somewhat difficult through its being wdrded in futurist jargon, but the following seem to he some of its chief points:— Italians must not be allowed to become “cubic-laden masses.” The necessity of travelling in the “featherweight aluminium trains of the future” is in itself a reason for cultivating lightness and agility. Therefore macaroni, the consumption of which is, to Italians almost a matter of religion, must go. Meanwhile, there are certain improvements which might he effected at once. For instance:—Table decorations should harmonise with the colour and taste of food; articles of diet should he more decorative and original; knives and forks should ho abolished in the cases of dishes pleasant to the touch; gusts of perfume should precede each course; music should play between the courses only; all eloquence and politics should be banished from the table.

In the kitchen it is added far more scientific instruments should be used than at present—in particular, for the purpose of preserving vitamins at high temperatures. _ o It is perhaps only fair to add that the Italian Academy has not yet officially associated itself with this programme. It "would, indeed, hardly survive the onslaught on macaroni. The oldest doctor, in France, Dr. Alexandre Guenoit, has just started a discussion among his fellow-members of the Academy of Aledicine by declaring that those who would live long should drink one -bottle of good French wine a day. Reference was made several months ago to the textbook for would-be centenarians, which the doctor, himself in his 99th year, is preparing. He says he is convinced that people who have no hereditary maladies can easily live to be 100 years old. He is slightly deaf, hut as alert as most men of half his age. Several of Dr. Guenoit’s younger colleagues have readily declared that they share his views al>oiit the excellence of wine. Among them is Professor Vaquez, the great heart specialist. “It may not he necessary to drink a bottle a day,” he says, “hut I believe that there is nothing like good wine. I drink it myself at every meal.” A medico legal expert. Dr. Paul, is of the same opinion. '“Good wine, and above all champagne,” lie declares, “is one of the necessities of life.” Dr. Paul drinks only pure water—or champagne. Other doctors are less enthusiastic about the health-giving virtues of wine. There is the well-known surgeon, Dr. Thiery, who states that the six members of his household do not drunk more than Three bottles of wine m. a year. Dr. Thiery says he believes in water, ancl points out that many centenarians have shared his belief.