Among the chronic diseases may be mentioned valvular disease of the heart; interstitial nephritis, degenerative diseases of the liver; degenerative diseases of the nervous system, as locomotor ataxia. These chronic diseases incapacitate the patient more or less completely from his general activities. They are very likely to occur in people past middle age. The development of the condition is a very gradual one, the disturbance of nutrition may be more or less profound, the diet must be adapted to the special conditions. If the digestion remains fair, as it is likely to in heart disease, nephritis, diseases of the nervous system, the patient is very apt to be cared for in the home and is not likely to have the personal attention of a trained nurse. In such cases the physician gives his directions regarding diet to the members of the family who attend the patient. About the only directions that can be given of importance in such cases is that the diet be light, easily digestible, laxative, and low protein. The free use of fruits, of eggs and milk, of gruels, purees, cream soups, and of custards, should satisfy all these requirements and may easily be grouped into attractive menus.