RECIPE FOR LONG LIFE

Evening Star, Issue 20720, 17 February 1931, Page 7

RECIPE FOR LONG LIFE

•* > ~- r TWO VIEWS ON DIET

HO KNIFE OR FORK ’ SCENT,BEFORE MEALS. Tho 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 lie 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, hut the thoughts and actions of human beings depend upon what they cat and drink. Comprehension of tho argument of this manifesto is rendered somewhat difficult .through its being worded in futurist jargon, but tho 'following s'cein to be 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 be effected at once. For instance: Table decorations should harmonise with the colour and taste of food; articles of’diet should be more decorative and original; knives and forks should bo abolished in the eases of dishes pleasant to the touch; gusts of perfume should precede each course; music should play between tho courses only; all eloquence and politics should bo banished from the table. in the kitchen, it is added, far more scientific instruments should be used than at present—in partcular for the purpose of preserving vitamins at high temperatures. It is perhaps only lair to add that the Italian Academy has not yet officially associated itself with this programme. It would, hulcod, hardly survive the onslaught of macaroni. Tho oldest doctor in Franco, Dr Alexandre Gueniot, has just started a discussion among his follow-members of tho Academy of Medicine 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 text book for would-be centenarians,, which-the doctor, himself in his ninety-ninth year, is preparing. Ho says lie is convinced that people who have no hereditary maladies can easily live to ho 100 years old. Ho is slightly deaf, but as alert as most men of’halfhis ago. Several of Dr Giiouiot’s younger colleagues have readily declared that they sharo Ills views about the excellence of wine. Among them is Professor Vaquez, tho great heart specialist. “It may not lie necessary to drink a bottle a day,” lie says; “ but I believe that there is nothing like good wine. I drink it myself at every meal.’’ A incdico-legal' expert, Dr Raul, is of tho same opinion. “Good wine, and above all champagne,” lie declares, “ is one of the necessities of life.” Dr Raul drinks only pure water—or champagne.

Other doctors, aro less enthusiastic about the health-giving virtues of wine. There is the well-known surgeon, Dr Thiory, who states that tho six members of his household do not drink more than three bottles of wine in a year. Dr Thiery says ho believes in water, and points out that many centenarians have shared his belief.