THE PURE FOOD TEST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7606, 16 January 1903, Page 2

THE PURE FOOD TEST.

FREE BOARD FOR "MARTYRS

TO SCIENCE."

A remaikable experiment to Icttt the relative effects cf pure and adulterated foods on the human system is aboufc' to be conducted by Dr Wiley, the chemist of the United States Agricultural Department. Twelve men*' employed in the Department will be boarded at tbe Government's expense for six months, aiid will taste no food except that prepared under Dr Wiley's supervision.

The men will be divided into twosquads. For two weeks, six men will livx» on pure fotifd, and six oli adulterated foods c-ritain-ihg Doric acid, borax, colouring water and other chemicals used iii adulterating American foods. At the end of two weeks, the nicn will chaiige places. This alternation. 'of ■diet will, be continued during the entire period of the experiment. The subjects aro. -n-li irt fin© physical condition. Every .morning ihey will ba weighed, tlieir plilse, respiration and temperature will bo taken-,, and every effect bf tke -diet carefully noted. .These- martyrs to science all gftvc their services willingly, and are delighted -with the prospect of freo board for six months. No restrictions will bo imposed on them, except the supervision of their diet, and the smokers will l>e iillowed a certain quantity of tobacco.

The results of the experiment are to hi embodied in a report to Congress in connection with the proposed Pure Fciod Bill.