"In the absence of all food the body's supply of energy is, after the first day or two, derived from its stock of protein and fat-13% being derived from the former and 87% from 'the latter. Thus the fat content may largely measure the days of survival. Even in partial inanition body protein will be used up and the extent to which the different organs will be depleted is almost certainly inversely proportional to their importance in survival. Insufficient information exists for us to know exactly the order of priority of the various organs and tissues but it is obvious that the vital organs must be kept functioning."