In the foregoing discussion of the individual calorimeter experiments certain features common to each were pointed out. From the results given in tables 101 to 122, we may conclude that the effect on the carbon-dioxide excretion was relatively uniform in that a marked increase in the first 1-hour or 2-hour period was followed by considerable increases which gradually decreased in magnitude as the experiment progressed. With the oxygen consumption the increment, when noted, was almost invariably in the first period; subsequent periods showed such irregularity in values as to allow no other inference than that probably the base-line had been reached. With the heat production an increment was again definitely observed, usually in the first period, subsequent periods showing slight fluctuations either above or below the basal value.

The conclusion, then, may fairly be drawn that the ingestion of carbohydrate material has a pronounced and continuous effect upon the carbon-dioxide production, which may last 8 hours or more, and increases the oxygen consumption for a short time, generally a little over 2 hours. The respiratory quotient also shows a marked rise. The increase in the oxygen consumption is paralleled by a definite increase in the heat production. The last observation is of the greatest significance in connection with calorimeter experiments, as it demonstrates by direct calorimetry a positive increase in the heat production as the result of the ingestion of varying amounts of carbohydrates.