Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the College of Home Economics Metabolism Study Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: College of Home Economics Metabolism Study Collection, Ms2005-003 - Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Acquisition Information

The College of Home Economics Metabolism Study Collection was donated to Special Collections in 2004.

Alternative Form Available

Images of the photographs in this collection may be found here.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement and description of the College of Home Economics Metabolism Study Collection commenced and was completed in February 2005.

Biographical Information

The Metabolism Study by the College of Home Economics of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute was directed by Laura Jane Harper and was carried out from 1956 to 1960. Jean Skelton also was involved with the study.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of 30 images documenting the Metabolism Study conducted by the College of Home Economics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In addition, the collection contains 12 duplicate images and one negative. The study involved the participants eating food that was weighed out in order to determine what amounts nitrogen was utilized by individual young girls. Study participants were required to lick their plates and bowls. The study involved measuring participants' excretionary products. Participants slept and ate at Wallace Annex during the study and participated in a variety of activities, such as costume parties. Images show participants eating and licking their bowls, relaxing in their dormitory, and participating in activities. Staff is shown weighing and preparing food and allocating urinary composites.