Protein and Energy

• 1. Nutritional science before the Chemical Revolution (1614–1773); 2. Nutrition in the light of the New Chemistry (1773–1839); 3. 'Protein' discovered and enthroned (1838–1845); 4. Things fall apart (1846–1875); 5. Vegetarian philosophies and Voit's standards (1875–1893); 6. Chittenden versus the U.S. establishment (1883–1912); 7. Vitamins and amino acids (1910–1950); 8. Protein deficiency as a Third World problem (1933–1957); 9. International actions to produce high-protein supplements (1955–1990); 10. Re-appraisals of the Third World problem (1955–1990); 11. Adult needs for amino acids: a new controversy (1950–1992); 12. Retrospect; Appendices: A. Chemical structure of amino acids; B. The measurement of protein quality; C. Calculations of amino acid balance using an isotope label.

'He makes excellent use of his contemporary scientific knowledge in elucidating the past, and he is even-handed in dealing with a subject riddled with hasty pronouncements and gullible consumers.' The Times Literary Supplement