Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Existence and Location of Copies

The images in this collection have been digitized and is available online.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], College of Home Economics Metabolism Study Collection, Ms2005-003, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

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

Processing Information

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

Biographical Note

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.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Faculty and staff
• University History
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute (1944-1970)
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. College of Home Economics (1964-1982)
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute. College of Home Economics
• Women -- History

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the College of Home Economics Metabolism Study Collection by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).