RECIPE FOR LONG LIFE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21266, 21 February 1931, Page 2

RECIPE FOR LONG LIFE.

TWO VIEWS ON DIET. NO KNIFE OR FORK. 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 Alarinetti, the former, has issued a "manifesto of futurist cooking," in which he declares that the macaroni beloved of Italian must go. Chemists, he says, must find a substitute containing nutrition in the form of powder or pills. According to Signor Marinetti’s " mauixesto,” 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 Avorded in futurist jargon, but the following seem to be gome of its chief points;— Italians must not be allowed to become "cubic-laden ffiasses.” 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 Avbich is to Italians almost a matter of religion, must go. Aleanwhile, there are certain improvements Avhich might be effected at once. For instance, table decorations should harmonise Avith the colour and taste of food; articles of diet should be more decorative and original; knives and forks should be abolished in the cases of dishes pleasant to the touch; gusts of perfume should precede each course only; music should play betAveen the courses; all eloquence and politics should be banished from the table. In the kitchen, it is added, far wore 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 Avould, indeed, hardly survive the onslaught on macaroni. The oldest doctor in France, Pr Alexandre Gueniot, has just started a discussion among his fellow-members of the Academy of Aledicine by declaring that those Avho Avould live long should drink one bottle of good French wine a day. Reference Avas made several months ago to the text book for would-be centenarians, Avhich 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.'' He is slightly deaf, but as alert as most men of half his age. Several of Pr Gneniot’s younger, colleagues have readily declared that they share his A-iews about the excellence of Avine. Among them is Professor Vaquez, the great heart specialist. “It may not be necessary 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, Pr iPaul, is of the same opinion. “ Good wine, and, above all, champagne,” he declares, “is one of the necessaries of life.” Pr Paul drinks only pure water —or champagne. Other doctors are less enthusiastic about the health-giving virtues of Avine. There is the well-knoAvn surgeon, Pr Thiery, Avho states that the six members of his Household do not drink more than three bottles of Avine in a year, Pr Thiery says ha believes in Avater, and points out that many centenarians have shared his belief.