An important part of our records of this research is the post-experimental history of the men undergoing this experience. Questions which may fairly be asked are: What condition were these men in at the end of the long test? What was their history subsequent to the restriction in food? Were there any permanent effects of the low diet? Did the men subsequently change their dietetic habits on account of their experience?

Owing to the special conditions obtaining at the Y. M. C. A. College in the spring of 1918, When a number of the men left college for Y. M. C. A. military service, it became impossible to obtain such information for all of the men. However, a number of them were seen personally by one of us on a visit to Springfield May 21 to 22, and records were made of their condition at that time. More or less data have also been obtained through correspondence. A special effort has been made to find whether a permanent effect of the low diet was noted by the men themselves. Much of this information has already been given in previous sections, particularly in the section on diet. (See p. 272).

One general feature of the post-experimental history is the excess eating immediately indulged in by the men. Considerable practical experience has shown that there is danger in taking a large meal immediately after prolonged starvation or even after a period of undernutrition. Evidence on this point has already been given, showing that when the men were allowed uncontrolled diet, they almost invariably overate, notwithstanding repeated cautions. This frequently resulted the following day in pain in the abdomen or diarrhea and general discomfort. This tendency of the men to eat largely after fast is in full conformity with statements made by Professor Pawlow to the effect that more or less gross feeding usually followed Russian fasts. (See p. 203).

Although all of the subjects were frequently told that if they desired to increase their diet at the conclusion of the test, they should do so slowly and carefully, and not indulge in immoderate amounts of food, the over-indulgence in food was general among the men. As a result, a considerable number of them suffered from abdominal pain, colic, and diarrhea. The experiment ended Sunday morning, February 3. In spite of excessive eating on Sunday and digestive disturbance on Monday and Tuesday, all of the men attended a banquet February 5 given by one of Squad A to the squad as a whole. At this banquet they ate inordinately.

The most direct evidence that we have of the excess eating following the cessation of the diet is the great and rapid rise in the body-weight shown in figures 57 to 68 and discussed in the section on body-weight. In practically every instance the weight prior to the beginning of the experiment was reached almost immediately and was usually materially exceeded. This is shown in table 201, in which are given the initial weight of the members of Squad A prior to the experiment, the weight at the end of the experiment, the date on which the initial weight was regained, with the number of days required for this, and the subsequent maximum weight, with the date upon which it was recorded.

Table 201. - Increases In Body-Weight After Resumption Of Normal Diet - Squad A

No evidence was obtained that these men, with the possible exception of Moy and Bro, acquired new dietetic habits or adjusted themselves to a lower food intake as a result of the experiment. The circumstances militated against this. In the first place, the men craved food after the restricted diet and especially desired sweets and accessory foods of all kinds. Secondly, subsequent to the research, they were liberally supplied with food in the dinmg-hall and ate with their college mates without restriction. Environment more than physiological demand was the controlling influence.

On May 22, 1918, all of the men were reported to be in excellent physical condition. But 6 of Squad A were then in college, the others having been called away for duty elsewhere, one of these only temporarily. After May 22, 1918, it was extremely difficult to keep in touch with the men, owing to their being so widely scattered on account of war conditions. We have, through one channel or another, secured the following notes regarding the members of the two squads. All of this information demonstrates success in their various lines of activity and would seem to indicate that the men experienced no ill effects from the experiment.

Bro

May 22: Still in college and carrying on his usual work as assistant librarian; in excellent health. Eating only two meals a day, omitting dinner; thought he was taking less food than normally. Did this for economy, but not entirely as he thought he was better for it. Later in 1918 was in Y.M.C.A. work in the army.

Can

May 22: In college. Had been eating too much and felt need of reduction. Was trying to take only one helping at table. Was married after leaving college, and drafted. In excellent health June 1919; nude weight at that time, 85.5 kg., i. e., 18.0 kg. overweight.

Kon

Was compelled to leave college shortly after the end of the experiment on account of accident to his father. According to information obtained on May 22, he subsequently worked hard in a mine belonging to his father, was gaining in weight, and was feeling very well. Later went to the University of Toronto to train for aviation section of the Army Signal Corps. In the spring of 1919 was physical director of the Young Men's Christian Association, Middletown, Ohio.

Gar

Was drafted and went to Camp Taylor in Kentucky in April; was in excellent physical condition on leaving college. Married April 23, 1918.

Gul

Drafted and left college March 15, 1918, for a few weeks at home in North Dakota before going into the army; while at home worked on the farm. Later went to Camp Dodge, Iowa, as member of the Engineer Corps; afterwards second lieutenant at Camp Hancock, Georgia. Was feeling fine when last heard from. In January 1919 was out of the Army and connected with the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Sault Ste. Marie R. R. in South Dakota.