The data regarding the diets recorded in the previous portion of this chapter are based upon the quantitative measurements. It seems important also to record such of the introspection as is relevant to the character, amounts, palatability, etc., of the diet. As records of the state of mind of these men at the different stages in the experiment, these introspections form a real contribution to the study. The phraseology used by the men is given in most instances, and frequently these statements are given verbatim.

Squad A

On the evening of November 10, while at the Nutrition Laboratory, the men were questioned individually along certain lines on the ground that by this time they were accustomed to the experiment and the element of suggestion would play a very small role. The questions pertaining to food, together with the answers given by the several subjects, are reported herewith. Records were likewise kept concerning the introspection previous to November 10, which was doubtless colored by the novelty of the situation. In addition, we have the introspections recorded on the various trips to Boston, chiefly in connection with the psychological tests, the chance remarks regarding the diet made at Springfield and noted by the experimenters throughout the entire test, and the introspections (retrospect) obtained by one of us after the close of the experiment on special trips to Springfield.

To avoid repetition we give herewith the substance of the three questions asked of each member of Squad A on November 10; the answers thereto will be found under this date for each subject. (1) What part of the whole experiment thus far has caused you personally the most discomfort or pain, if any? Have hunger pains been experienced, and if so, when? (2) What part of the present diet seems a necessity to you; that is, what tastes best to you or what do you relish most? (3) If allowed to order a meal without restriction, what would you ask for, i. e., what foods have you missed most thus far in the experiment?

Greybon C. Gardner (Gar)

November 10, 1917

Hungry for 20 minutes or half hour immediately after meals and again about an hour before meals. Likes dessert better than anything else; craves pie and cake especially, also pudding.

November 24, 1917

No trouble with the diet.

February 2, 1918

Was hungry all the time before Christmas. The chief difficulty thus far has been his inability to eat in company with people who were having a social time eating together. Has not noticed being hungry since Christmas so much as before. During last 5 days has not been particularly hungry. Has been underweight most of time. During last 6 or 8 days has been getting double portions; seems to be fairly comfortable on this diet.

February 6,1918

Only member of squad at breakfast this morning, following the banquet at home of Pec last night.

Wesley G. Spencer (Spe)

November 10, 1917

Hunger has not troubled him very much until this last week; especially hungry an hour or two before dinner and supper. Can not say what tastes best to him, unless possibly ice cream for dessert. Craves nothing specially; when passing fruit stands wishes he could have some fruit, but it does not trouble him; not unusually fond of fruit. Would order, if unrestricted, thin soup, vegetable or fruit salad with plenty of mayonnaise, beefsteak, baked potato, vegetables, and jelly with cream.

November 19, 1917

"Had a dandy breakfast this morning." May 22, 1918. - Thinks that at present he is eating a little more than his previous normal diet. Immediately after illness had a tremendous appetite and ate a good deal more, and thinks he is still eating somewhat more than normal diet.

Ronald T. Veal (Vea).

November 4,1917

Refused to take communion at church yesterday, as he did not wish to break training.

November 10,1917

Has not felt especially hungry at any time, that is, not enough to be painful; no hunger pains. Relishes meat and potato most; craves nothing special. If allowed to order whatever he wished, would probably get soup and some fish. "If I could just eat food that would go to my legs I would feel perfectly all right".

November 18, 1917

Would prefer after to-day to leave out of diet all or part of meat.

January 12, 1918

"I had anything I wanted to eat the first week in Christmas vacation; like particularly bran muffins and apple butter".

February 2,1918

Diet given him this week has satisfied hunger. Has not been as hungry as previously.

February 6,1918

Had an extra large serving of food at dinner. Ate lightly at night.

February 8, 1918

"I am not so well now as when on the experiment. I have had diarrhea most of the week when eating uncontrolled. Elating light; only gained about 1 kilogram. I am feeling better to-day, but felt rather weak on previous days, which I thought due to diarrhea, so not so well as when on the diet. I am now trying to go back to more nearly the same amount of food used when on the experiment. I think that I shall feel better".

May 21, 1918

After diet period is sure he ate more than previous to experiment, to satisfy desire to eat and craving of appetite. During diet period accumulated considerable candy. After experiment ate some of this, but was surprised to find that it did not appeal to him as much as he had expected and he gave most of it away. Used to eat a good deal of candy between meals, but does not now. At present thinks he is eating somewhat less than normally, and does not desire to eat between meals, as he used to do. Thinks his appetite more easily satisfied. This not due to warm weather, but has been observed for several weeks.