RECIPE FOR LONG LIFE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 21 February 1931, Page 4

RECIPE FOR LONG LIFE

TWO VIEWS ON DIET NO FORK OR KNIFE SCENT BEFORE MEALS 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 tliat the macaroni beloved of Italians must go. Chemists, ho. 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 arid 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 worded in futurist jargon, but the followin' seem to he some of its chief points :—-

Italians milst not be allowed to become “cubic laden masses.” The necessity -of travelling in the “feather-weight 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 he abolished in the cases of dishes pleasant Xp 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. 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 of macaroni. The oldest doctor in France. Dr. Alexandre Gueniot. has just started a discussion among his fellow-members of the 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. He says he is convinced that people who have no hereditary maladies can easily live to be 100 years old. lie is slightly deaf, but as alert as most men of half his age. Several of Dr. Gueniot’s younger colleagues havo already declared that they share his views about the excellence of wine. Among them is Professor Vaquez, the great heart specialist. “It may not be necessaiw to drink a bottle a day,” he says; “but 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,” he 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 drink more than three bottles of wine in a year. Dr. Thiery says he believes in water, and points out that many centenarians have shared his belief.