Alimentation

(al-im-enfa' -shun). The proce of the reception and conversion of food into material fit for nourishment. A., Rectal, the nourishing of a patient by the administration of small quantities of concentrated food through the rectum. There are many formulae for these nutritious enemata, the most important of which are the following: I. Leube's Pancreatic-meat Emulsion. " For rectal alimentation: chop five ounces of finely scraped meat still finer, add to it one and a-half ounces of finely-chopped pancreas, free from fat, and then three ounces of lukewarm water; stir to the consistence ofa thick pulp. Give at one time, care being taken to wash out the rectum with water about an hour before." 2. Mayet's Formula. " Fresh ox-pancreas 150 to 200 grams; lean meat 400 to 500 grams. Bruise the pancreas in a mortar with water at a temperature of 370 C, and strain through a cloth. Chop the meat and mix thoroughly with the strained fluid, after separating all the fat and tendinous portions. Add the yolk of one egg, let stand for two hours, and administer at the same temperature, after having cleansed the rectum with an injection of oil. This quantity is sufficient for 24 hours' nourishment, and should be administered in two doses." 3. Pennie's Formula. " Add to a bowl of good beef-tea one-half pound of lean, raw beefsteak pulled into shreds. At 99° F. add one drachm of fresh pepsin and one-half drachm of dilute Place the mixture before the fire and let it remain for four hours, stirring frequently. The heat must not be too great', or the artificial digestive proce will be stopped altogether. It is better to have the mixture too cold than too hot. If alcohol is to be given it should be added at the last moment. Eggs may also be added, but should be previously well beaten." 4. Peaslee" s Formula. " Crush or grind a pound of beef-muscle fine; then add one pint of cold water; allow it to macerate 40 minutes, and then gradually raise it to the boiling point; allow it to boil for two minutes no more and then strain." 5. FUnfs Alixture. "Milk whisky to which add half an egg." Alimentivity (al-im-en-tk/ -i-te). The instinct that impels the animal organism to take food or nourishment.