The total metabolism of the growing child is universally admitted to be proportionately higher than that of the adult, and Benedict and Talbot1 have shown that the basal metabolism is also considerably raised during the growth period. From their numerous observations it has been possible for them to provide us with figures showing the expected basal metabolism for any age. Although the basal metabolism for any age is fairly constant, it is probable that the difference between the basal and total metabolism varies considerably in different persons. This variation is probably due to differences of temperament and environment. The active, highly strung boy has a higher metabolism than the lethargic boy. In considering the total food requirements two other factors have to be included. These are: (1) the energy lost in the excreta (feces and urine). In neither of these excreta has complete combustion taken place, and they contain