I am not aware that the experiment has been repeated; but if it has been, the result has probably not proved satisfactory; because, for its success, the patient taking alkalis should be fed chiefly upon meat, with a small quantity of vegetables, and but little drink. Failing these conditions, alkalis are powerless. Cases do occur, of persons growing thin, who intentionally have done nothing to reduce their fat. In the same way it might happen that while making use of alkalis, without observing the precepts laid down, the fat might disappear. Such a case would be exceptional, and extremely rare. Alkalis alone are incompetent to cure a case of obesity: this is capable of chemical demonstration. If a supply of fat, equal in combining proportion with the alkali ingested, be supplied by means of food to the body, the action of the alkali upon the previously deposited fat constituting the obesity, must be null. For the speedy reduction of obesity, therefore, the food must contain a less than ordinary amount of the elements of fat, by making it to consist chiefly of meat, and bringing about a reduction of the superabundant fat by means of alkalis, which should be administered in every variety of form, in order not to induce a sense of disgust on the part of the patient. While undergoing this course of treatment, the person should not be called upon to make the slightest change in his ordinary habits, or in the amount of his daily labour. His appetite, which ought to be excellent, should be always satisfied; and while losing fat, he ought to experience increase of muscular firmness and vigour. Such have been the invariable effects produced in those patients under my immediate care, as will be fully shewn in the cases about to be reported. After ten or twelve days of this mode of treatment, and with the help of alkalis, obesic patients experience a feeling of freedom from oppression, and already a reduction of fat has become apparent. This diminution continues; and by the end of the month, which is the shortest period of treatment, the weight has been reduced to the extent of ten pounds at least; but if the instructions have been rigidly observed, thirty pounds or even more. And this course may be continued for six months or longer, with marked improvement of the general health. CHAPTER VI. CASES OF REDUCTION OF CORPULENCE.