UNCOUNTED FACTORS IN INFANT FEEDING

The scientific development of infant feeding has been very largely a matter of the last twenty years. Previous to that time, most of the discussion on the subject was along empiric lines and represented the individual experience of various observers. During the last two decades, however, there has been a very definite attempt to place dietetics of infancy on a scientific basis. One after another of the various food elements has been the subject for investigation, with the result that at present the scientific standards by which we may judge of the food for the baby have been fairly well established. This marks an era not only in pediatrics but also in medicine.

Infant feeding is essentially a therapeutic measure. It is that branch of dietetics which requires the most exhaustive knowledge of scientific facts and the most thorough observation of clinical cases, to be carried out successfully. It has