The preceding discussion has established that the restriction of liquids is inevitably followed by certain consequences, viz.:

1. The stomach is relieved of much work, and the pressure exercised upon its walls is reduced.

2. The total labor performed by the circulatory apparatus is decreased, and the heart is spared.

3. The fluids of the body become more concentrated.

4. The body-weight is decreased as a result of the dehydration of the blood and tissues.

5. The appetite is reduced.

6. The destruction of albumin is increased (only, however, if the restriction of water is carried very far).

With the exception of the last-named effect of thirsting, that appears to an appreciable degree only in very greatly exaggerated restriction of liquids, all these factors can be utilized for therapeutic purposes. They actually explain all the good therapeutic results that have ever been obtained from the restriction of water.

7. On the other hand, the claim that water-restriction increases and accelerates the combustive processes going on in the organism, and, in particular, the destruction of fat, was not borne out by our experiments. Our investigations are the only ones that have so far been carried out in human subjects; in our opinion, however, they are absolutely conclusive, because no serious objections can be raised against our methods or the general plan and arrangement of our various experiments.