Broken Bones

Four thousand Yale rats had their legs broken so that Dr. Samuel Clark Harvey, professor of surgery, could learn how broken bones mend. Last week he presented a summary of his study. On a normal diet the rats' legs show some strength the sixth day after the break. Strength increases rapidly until the 15th day, during which tide calcium and phosphorus salts are deposited. Then for six days the new bone loses up to 30% of its strength. After the 21st day the bone again grows stronger, healthier, until completely healed.

An important observation has to do with diet while broken bones mend. If the diet lacks the necessary salts, the broken bone draws its material from the other bones of the body, weakens them.

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