Laboratory Manual of the Technic of Basal Metabolic Rate Determinations

Abstract

THE authors consider that the results of indirect calorimetry should not be thrown into general discredit as a means of clinical diagnosis, by neglect of details requisite for a true basal metabolic rate. In their well-illustrated book they have certainly set a good example in the matter of detail. They describe the method in use at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. The patient inspires the atmospheric air through a mask, and the expired air is collected and measured in a gasometer (Tissot) from which samples of air are taken for analysis of carbon dioxide and oxygen by the Haldane gas analysis apparatus, the calculations being carried out as usual. The advantages of this method, and perhaps the disadvantages of other methods, are somewhat emphasised. The authors deserve credit for the very careful directions for all stages of the technique. The book contains a special note for calculation of metabolic rate of a diabetic, a bibliography, an appendix with all the tables required for calculations, and an index. Indirect calorimetry has certainly proved its value in cases of thyroid disease.