The Vegan Winter 1966 by The Vegan Society

T H E VEGAN SOCIETY Founded November,

1944

Veganism is a way of living which exclude? all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, the animal kingdom, and includes a reverence and compassion for all life. It applies to the practice of living on the products of the plant kingdom to the exclusion of flesh, fish, fowl, eggs, honey, animal milk and its derivatives, and encourages the use of alternatives for all commodities derived wholly or in part from animals. Veganism remembers man's responsibilities to the earth and its resources and seeks to bring about a healthy soil and plant kingdom and a proper use of the materials of the earth. President: Dr. Deputy-President: Surrey. Vice-Presidents:

FREY E L L I S ,

Mrs. E. B. SHRIGLEY,

y. Old Coulsdon,

Mrs. MURIEL DRAKE, Dr. CATHERINE NIMMO, Miss M A B E L SIMMONS, Miss W I N I F R E D SIMMONS, Mrs. EVA BATT, Mr. JACK SANDERSON, B.SC. Secretary : Mrs. LOUISE DAVIS, London, S . E . 1 2 . Treas SM ould Green 6408. Librarian : Mr. W. H. C. Middlesex.

WRIGHT,

Enfield,

B.SC.,

Committee : M r . E . T . BANKS, M r s . E . BATT, M r . H . T . BONNIE, M r s . S . C O L E S , Dr. FREY E L L I S , Mr. J. H O P K I N S , Miss T.. C . LARKIN, A.T.C.L., M r . M . MCCULLOCH, M r . J . SANDERSON, B.SC., M r s . E . B . SHRIGLEY, M r s . G . SMITH, M r . W . H . C . W R I G H T , B.SC.

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THE VEGAN JOURNAL OF THE VEGAN

SOCIETY

Please send articles and letters for publication to 123 Baker Street, Enfield, Middlesex. Editorial Board: Mrs. E V A BATT, Mrs. SERENA C O L E S , Dr. FREY E L L I S . Editorial Adviser: Mr. JACK SANDERSON, B.SC. Vegan ution Secretary : Miss THELMA LARKIN, A.T.C.L., West Horndon, Brentwood, Essex. Advertisements : H. H . G R E A V E S LTD., 106/110 Lordship Lane, London, S.E.22. Rates: Whole page—£10 0s. 0d.; Half page—£6 0s 0d.; Quarter page—£3 10s. Od. Published quarterly: Annual Subscription, 10s.; single copies, 2s. 6d. Obtainable from the Hon. Secretary. LITERATURE

" The Reasons for Veganism." 4 page leaflet. 3d. S.A.E. only. " Vegan Protein Nutrition." 12 page leaflet. Is. 3d. post free. " A Handbook of Practical Veganism." 24 pages with cover. 2s. 9d. post free. " U n n e c e s s a r y Cruelties among Farm Animals." 8 page leaflet. 6d. post free. " T h e Vegetarian and Vegan Food Guide." 2s. 6d. post free. " Vegans and Vivisection." 8 page leaflet. 6d. post free. All obtainable from the Hon. Secretary. (Cheques and postal orders made out to " T h e Vegan Society ").

THE V E G A N Journal of the Vegan Society WINTER, 1966—67

EDITORIAL " How do I talk to a little flower? Through it I talk to the Infinite. And what is the Infinite? It is that silent, small force. It isn't the outer physical contact. No, it isn't that. The Infinite is not confined in the visible world. It is not in the earthquake, the wind or the fire. It is that still small voice that calls up the fairies. Now people will say that I am getting into words—just words. . . I refer to the unseen Spirit that defies the power of human reproduction, that challenges the power of human expression."* These words were spoken by George Washington Carver, the negro chemist who was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Great Britain in 1916. Dr. Carver who was a vegetarian, was "the Greatest Genius the negro race has yet produced".* His chief work concerned the peanut from which he: produced in his laboratory at Tuskagee several hundred products. As a result of ibis work on the peanut, sweet potato, pecans, cotton, etc., he helped more than any other person to transform the agriculture of the Southern States of America. From boyhood onwards he struggled against almost impossible circumstances and opposition to become one of the immortals in the world of chemistry. In this issue we publish a statement of another great chemist, who is also a vegetarian, Dr. E. Lester Smith, F.R.S. Perhaps some vegans may not agree witih all he says. We must remember, however, that a non-animal diet would not be possible without the work of such men. Few realise the incredible difficulties that have to be overcome in order that the produots of their work are made available to man., In 1948 Dr. Lester Smith and his colleagues, and another team of scientists working independently in America, isolated vitamin B 1 2 . This great achievement was the result of many years of patient and intricate laboratory work. In Che same year •

" The Man Who Talks With The Flowers ".

Glenn Clark. I

Dorothy Hodgkin at Oxford started to examine this Vitamin by X-ray crystallography. She later joined forces with White at Princeton. " The whole programme of work on vitamin B 1 2 , and the analogues that were examined, involved a total of something like ten million calculations. This necessitated the use of electronic computers in the final stages. The X-ray technique had never before been used to probe the structure of so complex a molecule, and Bhe complete success of the project represents a remarkable achievement, somewhat disconcerting to the organic chemists, and one that seemed to surprise even the X-ray crystallographers themselves. As Dorothy Hodgkin remarked: ' To be able to write down a chemical structure very largely from purely crystallographic evidence on the arrangements of atoms in spaceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and the chemical structure of quite formidably large molecule at thatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;is for any crystallographer, something of a dream-like situation.' This work encouraged successful application of tihe X-ray techniques to even more complex molecules, such as myoglobin and haemoglobin."f The isolation of vitamin B 1 2 enabled the vegan diet to be adopted with safety. It may be possible eventually to live on such a diet without added vitamin B i a . At present a few vegans appear to be able to do this but for the majority this is not so. Since the isolation of this vitamin a vast number of papers on it, and its analogues and coenzymes have been published. A great deal yet remains unsolved but slowly the situation is becoming clearer as more is discovered about the nature of the intracellular enzymology and the nature and function of D.N.A. (desoxyribonucleic acid) and R.N.A. (ribonucleic acid). An increasing amount of investigation into all aspects of veganism is being undertaken and tihis would not be possible without the very patient co-operation of vegans who offer their services in this work. FREY R .

t " Vitamin B12."

E. Lester Smith (Third Edition).

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER GLENN CLARK

He arose from the black loan of slavery, Was a brother to weeds, ferns, and flowers, From them he caught wisps of God's w h i s p e r As ihe reshaped this sad world of ours. He gathered the clays from the hillsides, From the meadows took ragweed and grass, From the peanut and simple potato Bought myriad marvels to pass. 2

ELLIS.

He was gentle of speech, sly of humour, He was humble, simple and wise;,. . .. Born a slave, he faced life as a" master, While his Master's light shone through his eyes.

A LOOK AHEAD B y PROF. HENRY BAILEY STEVENS

1 am impressed by the fact that in this decade the spread of factory farming is compelling more and more vegetarians to abandon foods of animal origin—milk, eggs and cheese—as well as meat itself. Quite a segment of the public at large, moreover, has become suspicious of Che quality of these products coming from vacant-eyed, frustrated creatures, shut away from sun, fresh air and soil, living in cramped quarters with little exercise. The medical reports of high cholesterol content have already reduced demand. The dairy and poultry industries, which for twenty years had been riding the crest of the waves, are shocked by the downward trend, feel that tihey are fighting for their lives and are employing public relations counsel to calm the public down. Will they, then, change their policy, give up their broiler batteries, windowless. piggeries and calf-pens, and return the animals to the pastures for which they long? Possibly in the end a few producers who have the capital will do so, but they will have to charge much higher prices. Large investments in " modern " buildings and equipment will prevent most operators from considering such a step. They have bought " efficiency " and will have to live with it. Their future plight will more and more take on a hue similar to that of the animals they have imprisoned. Upon my return to America I am amazed at the change that has occurred on the West Coast. The "California F a r m e r " of August 6th, 1966, reports that a gathering of cattle feeders was startled by the address of Dr. Robert C. Kramer, vice-president of California State Polytechnic College, Pomona. He produced a synthetic sandwich purchased in the Los Angeles metropolitan area the day before. " I t resembles cold roast beef", he told his audience. " I have conducted taste panels over the past year, and many people have admitted that this product is very, very similar to the natural roast beef sandwich which is a favourite." It is a patented process which involves forcing vegetable proteins through small holes so that they come out as fibres and threads, and is available in both consumer-sized packages and in institutional-sized containers. Kramer predicted that in the future meat-producers would not be competing among themselves—beef against poultry, for example—so muoh as with 3

synthetics. The sales of products of one company have increased tremendously, he said. " One of the executives in this company told me about the establishment of regional distribution centres and they plan to blanket the United States with this product in the very near future." The manufacturers have successfully simulated beef, pork and poultry products as well as " hot dogs ". G. Alvin Carpenter, extension economist of the University of California, also commented recently on synthetic meat substitutes, saying that they may contain up to thirty per cent, or more protein, while butcher shop meats average thirteen to twenty-two per cent. The man-made meat contains no animal fat and as little as one per cent, vegetable fat; it also offers controlled tenderness, no cholesterol, a balanced supply of essential amino acids and uniform flavour, colour and texture. Many vegans and vegetarians have long known the wastefulness of the animal economy, which requires at least six times as much land as do vegetable crops of equal calorie content grown directly for human consumption. But now the farmers themselves are beginning to feel the pinch. For several years Borden's, the leading milk and dried-milk distributor of the States, has been offering a soy-bean milk of equal value " for babies allergic to cow's milk ". As soon as the dairy interests of America lost their battle in Congress with the margarine producers, the large packing-houses quickly changed pace and began wholesale distribution of the butter substitutes. They will no doubt follow the same policy with respect to meat. From now on it will be consumer demand that will function. Hitherto there has been a hidden tabu of this whole subject. The consumer quails before the pioture of the abattoir and has not wanted to see it. This in itself is a pathological symptom. The psychiatrist would say: " F o r your own mental health you had better face the facts." The citadel is falling. The truth has at last broken through. Soon the men who invested their fortune in the construction and equipment of animal factories will feel the tightening of the noose, the stifling of a career. They will be cramped as if in a wire cage, revolted by the stench of a thwarted life. Who now will hear their bleats? They will show the vacant stare that comes at the dead end of the mechanization of living creatures. And many a consumer who had thought she was building her family's health out of the corpses of the meat market will find that she built high blood pressure and disease. Pray that our civilization soon learns its lesson. These billions of creatures that man has been breeding and spreading over the land have doubled the population-pressure. Earth cannot stand the load. Fortunately the population pressure could be quickly reduced by half. Birth control over the breeding of animals will require no elaborate campaign of educational clinics. The power is in the hands of the consumer. 4

FACTORY FARMING FACING FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES A one-day Conference, organised by the Ruth Harrison Advisory Group and West of England Campaign Against Factory Farming, was held at Friends House, London, on October 5th. One of our members has sent us the following notes. Tristram Beresford, C.B.E., formerly agricultural correspondent of the " Financial Times", refuted factory farming as an answer to the problem of world hunger, since the starving people were too poor to afford the waste in feeding their grains to cattle to be converted eventually into food for human beings. Prof. Thorpe, F.R.S., of the department of Animal Behaviour in Cambridge University, commented that some factory farming practices would not be allowed, without special licence, in scientific laboratories and that most domestic animals have the same painfeeling mechanism as man, although they may be less afflicted by foreboding. Shock and fright can kill animals, without physical injury. Pigs and poultry are potentially intelligent creatures, with means of communication and with tendencies to aid and guard their fellows. Removal of new-born calves from the cow is one of the cruellest practices of stock-farming, inevitable while man demands milk. Breeding and fattening are unreliable signs of the contentment of animals in factory-farms; like forlorn human beings, unhappy animals may eat out of misery. Prof. Thorpe did not think the Brambell Report went far enougih as it approved battery cages with a floor space the size of a single page of a newspaper as suitable for three chickens; (in some present units the allowance is half this). Dr. D. Cooper a psychoanalyst, remarked that mankind is beset by an obsession with anonymity, which leads to ineffectualness and impotence, with unheeding reliance on the nostra of experts. The meanness, cheating and spiritual corruption of debased farming rub off on the community, making man himself like a broiler-animal. Dr. Cooper's patients include unruly and aggressive people, who would be appalled at the cruelties of factory-farming and at the insanity of napalm warfare; he often found difficulty in distinguishing our present standards of sanity from madness. In losing contact with nature, man was losing his intimacy with mysticism and poetry and with himself, and Dr. Cooper could think of no apter description of madness. Dr. E. S. Schumacher, Economic Adviser to the National Coal Board, said that in starving countries, yields per acre (rather than per man) must be increased by simple, on-the-spot equipment, with particular attention to efficient irrigation and storage. Chemical fertilisers and mechanized farming are, in the main, inapt and irrelevant devices. 5

Dr. Schumacher indicated the economy of vegetarianism, since the efficiency, of husbandry dwindled by 80% in the production of butcher's meat. Vegetarians and vegans have no grounds for complacency. We have no option on righteousness; it is our job in the guest house, restaurant, and health store, and in our thrift and resource as customers, to show that veganism works. We can prove that man can lose his reputation as the world's foremost predator, but only by converting our intentions into deeds. A L A N LONG.

BEAUTY WITHOUT CRUELTY AND THOSE SEALS AGAIN This year the Beauty Without Cruelty London Fashion Show got publicity for the cruelties in the killings of seals in this and other countries. Mr. Brian Davies from Canada, in a two-minute colour film showed seal pups being coshed again and again with clubs and hooks, and one of the pups was skinned whilst obviously still alitfe. Mr. Davies warned the large audience that sealskin in this country is being used in a number of ways which they would not recognise. It is not only used for coats and boots. On the spot a B.B.C. reporter interviewed Diana Hamilton Andrews about the killings of seals here and overseas. The interview was broadcast the following morning in the " Today " programme, and was heard in Scotland as well as England. The " Sun " also carried a frontpage story of international top-model Celia Hammond who, after seeing the film, vowed never to model furs again. The fashion show was held at the Rembrandt Hotel, Knightsbridge, on October 19th. Group Captain Douglas Bader, C.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C., opened the afternoon session. He was there, he said, because a lady by the name of Dowding had asked him to open this fashion show, and he would at any time do anything for someone who was called Dowding. He showed a sincere interest in the aims of the movement, and his information extended to the fact that some of the toilet accessories on sale at the stalls were for men. The show was organised by Daphne Charters, who was also its competent, commere. Couture models by Colin Edward included one coat in simulation mink, and three in simulation leather, red, white and black. Amongst other lovely models shown was a simulated " fun fur " in .bright pink, and a turquoise " teddybear " coat. The collection wisely aimed at wearability rather than exaggerated effects. Celia Hammond wore a selection of the new Bata " V i v a " shoes, especially designed for Beauty Without Cruelty. 6

The evening session was opened by Ursula Bloom, the novelist. For twelve years Miss Bloom was also Beauty Editor of " Woman's Own ", and it was as an expert, therefore,- that she paid tribute to Beauty Without Cruelty's own products, and announced, " I use them myself! " At the Beauty Without Cruelty's own products stall Mrs. Kathleen Long introduced her new foundation cream and powder. The fashion show became a social occasion as well during the interval for tea in the afternoon and light refreshments in the evening, and provided an opportunity to meet Lady Dowding and other members of the Beauty Without Cruelty Council. Many newcomers were there. A fox fur disappeared from sight with embarrassed haste! And both sessions were very well attended. How many since have been haunted by the suffering faces of seal pups, and by the brutal truth about the way in which they are massacred in such numbers that, like the whale, they too will soon be in danger of extinction? I, for one, shall not forget. KATHLEEN ALBINO.

THE ANIMALS' FAIR Was it imagination or were there really less people at the Animals' Fair? Perhaps the stalls were fewer in number and, if so, that may have been the cause of the spaciousness. Certainly there appeared to be plenty of room especially on the Saturday but, again, the weather was against us. This year the Vegan Society shared a stall with the Plant Milk Society which was helpful both from the financial point of view and from the number of helpers available: The burden once again fell upon the same few people and, if we had had the grocery stall as in the past, it would have indeed been chaotic. Thanks to the hard work and gifts of half a dozen housewives we were able to see vegan savouries and cakes and John Hopkins excelled himseJf as a filler of wholemeal rolls! It was a pleasure to have Miss Dreyfus, authoress of " Crimes Against Creation ", with us on the Saturday and one or two folk were lucky enough to obtain her autograph. In view of the lack of helpers your committee will have to give serious consideration as to whether we take a stall next year. When there are limited numbers to assist it does not allow for anybody having to drop out for personal reasons at the last moment. We shall be reluctant to give it up as it was recommenced four or five years ago iby an enthusiastic band of members who wanted to bring the vegan ideals before the public and at the Animals' Fair we have the opportunity to show the way to the unconverted. 7

Please let u$ know as soon as you have read this whether you would like us to continue and, if so, what you are prepared to d o to help and what you would like to see on your stall next year. All suggestions will be given careful consideration but, as we go to press, we shall be nearing the day for when we have to book for 1967. SERENA COLES.

An enjoyable evening was spent at the Cora Hotel on November 13th, when the Jewish Vegetarian Society and the Vegan Society joined forces to pluck the brains of a knowledgeable panel. The hall was packed to overflowing and I am sure that, from the conversation heard during the coffee session, everybody found the meeting to be most stimulating. We were fortunate to have Geoffrey Rudd in the chair as he is always willing to encourage fairly new societies such as the Jewish Vegetarian Society and his sympathies are very much with the Vegan Society. Panelists included Eva Batt, Ruth Harrison, Dr. Douglas Latto, Mr. Ling of the Plant Milk Society, and Mr. Philip Pick, Editor of the "Jewish Vegetarian ". The questions covered a fairly wide and interesting field in which vegan ideas and principles were well represented. We were pleased to see that the meeting had attracted a sprinkling of nonvegetarians, some of whom had many surprises! 8

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The 22nd Annual General Meeting of this Society was held on Friday, November 4th, in London, and was attended by thirty-five members. Home-made vegan refreshments were served at 6.30 and those present enjoyed this opportunity to greet and chat with friends before the business meeting which was presided over by Dr. Frey Ellis. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ellis mentioned that veganism had been publicly referred to on several occasions during its first year as an adult society and he had every confidence in our ability to grow and command the respect of all. Vegans are now becoming " accepted " even if with reservations. Tribute was paid to Miss Marie Dreyfus, for her book " Crimes Against Creation ". This was considered to be a great achievement especially as it had been compiled, like so many good works are, in "spare time" only. It should be read by all vegans and those who care about animals and wish to alleviate suffering. Election of Officers and Committee Dr. Ellis was unanimously re-elected. President of the Society. Jack McClelland had asiked to be replaced on the Committee as the travelling from Ireland was so time consuming and expensive. He would continue to serve the society in other ways. Sam Wolf was not available for re-election. The following were eleoted or re-elected unanimously: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Deputy President: Mrs. E. B. Shrigley. Vice-Presidents: Mrs. E. V. Batt, Mrs. M. Drake, Dr. C. Nimmo, Mr. J. Sanderson, Miss D. W. Simmons, Miss M. Simmons. Secretary: Mrs. L. Davis. Hon. Treasurer: Mrs. G. Smith. Editorial Board: Mrs. E. Ball, Mrs. S. Coles, Dr. F. Ellis. Editorial Adviser: Mr. J. Sanderson, B.Sc. Hon. Magazine Secretary: Miss T. Larkin. Committee: Mr. E. Banks, Mr. H. Bonnie, Mr. M. McCulloch, Mr. J. Hopkins, Mrs. E. B. Shrigley, Mr. W. Wright, B.Sc. Any Other Business Mr. A. Kelly brought up the matter of the Vegan Communities Movement and the changes which have taken place during the year. Some discussion followed in which Mrs. Ruth Howard and Mr. Jack Sanderson took part. Mr. Kelly was invited to send a brief report to the Editors for their consideration. Miss Joan Smith introduced the question of amalgamation with the other vegetarian societies, saying that some members would prefer to share the British Vegetarian bi-monthly magazine if they could have a supplementary Vegan News Sheet. 9

Mr. Sanderson was asked to form a sub-conimittee with Dr. Ellis and any other vegan they desired, lo study scientific matters concerning veganism and any new developments of particular interest to vegans and to report on them. Mr. Mclntyre Smith told members something about the new Nature Cure project, the Tyringham Trust, and it was decided that more information be sought. Mrs. Batt would write to the Trust and, in view of her experience with both Nature Cure Clinics and wit'h hospitals, Mrs. Coles was asked to be liaison officer. Mrs. Batt apologised to Mr. Hopkins and the members for an error by which Mr. Hopkins' name was accidentally omitted from those printed in " The Vegan ". Comments were made concerning the A.G.M. being held on a Friday but the committee explained that the Alliance Hall was always heavily booked in advance and was not always available on a Saturday convenient to us. It is arranged, that, as far as possible, our meetings do not clash with another one our members are likely to wish to attend. However, the A.G.M. will be on a Saturday next year but at. a different hall. Mr. Ling, of the Plantmilk Society, brought along some tins of Plamil and Plamil chocolate and some members who had not already tried this were able to do so. After the business of the day there was another opportunity for general discussion before we had to say " Goodbye " to those members who live some distance away and only manage to get together with other vegans once a year. MANY THANKS The Society is very grateful for, and glad to acknowledge, subscriptions and donations from members and friends; the majority in this country ibut a good minority abroad. We are happy to foe aible to carry on the work and to do more. Last year you provided the financial background necessary. Please foe generous again this year. Please, also, forgive us the few mistakes made in our records. We now have a good working arrangement between Treasurer and Journal Secretary. Individual receipts will foe gladly sent on request. Otherwise please accept these thanks collectively. GRACE SMITH.

MURIEL AND HARRY We are sure that vegans everywhere will join in thought on January 14th, to wish Muriel Drake the happiness and companionship that she so richly deserves on her marriage to Harry Henderson. 10

: Although not a vegan yet, Harry has helped us a great deal in transporting for our functions, and we would like to take this opportunity of thanking them both for their services to the Society. Some of us remember the days when Muriel used to burn the midnight oil as secretary for the Society. Pamela Drake, who recently went to Canada for a few years, will be flying back to be with the family on this very happy occasion. To you both we wish a very joyous wedding day and may the years ahead bring you peace and contentment.

WHOLEMEAL

BREAD

From time to time we need assurances from experts concerning the nutritional adequacy of the average diet, and in particular the relative value of white v. wholemeal flour and bleached v. raw " sugar. In the last issue of " The Vegan " (p. 14) we published, by kind permission of the "British Vegetarian", a scientific reply from the Vegetarian Nutritional Research Council to the article whidh had appeared in the Consumer Magazine " Which " and caused many food reformers to make searching enquiries. We have since received information from Dr. Wokes, unfortunately just too late for the autumn magazine, which we are pleased to add now: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; " There is, in fact, now much evidence to support the claim of Walker in the " L a n c e t " (1951, 161, 224) that the antagonism of phytic acid to the absorption of calcium by the body is riot highly significant. Vegetarians should, therefore, not give up eating wholemeal bread on account of the incomplete information given in the article on bread in " Which?". Vegans may obtain vitamin D from vegetable margarines to which it has been added. It is produced by irradiating with ultra-violet light under very carefully controlled conditions the sterol ergosterol extracted from plant products. Irradiation of growing plants containing the sterol is not a satisfactory method of producing the vitamin." October 26th, 1966. FRANK W O K E S , Ph.D., B.Sc., F.R.I.C., F.P.S. AN

APPRECIATION

We are sure that all members will wish to join with the Committee in thanking Jack Sanderson for his many years of selfless service as editor of "The Vegan" journail and to say how sorry we are that his domestic circumstances prevent him from continuing with this important work. Jack took over some six or seven years ago from John Heron who, with fhis newspaper experience, was able to do so much for the journal. ' It' was a 11

great satisfaction to all to see the sairie high standard maintained, and we are indeed very grateful to Jack for all the many hours he has devoted to this work. We are delighted we are still to have the advantage of Jack's experiences, as he will continue to act in an advisory capacity. SERENA COLES.

LITERATURE AVAILABLE FROM THE SOCIETY " A Handbook of Practical Veganism "—2s. 9d. post free. " Vegan Protein Nutrition "—Is. 3d. post free. " The Vegetarian and Vegan Food Guide (with Household Products)"—2s. 3d. post free. " Quick and Easy Menus "—2s. 9d. post free. " Here's Harmlessness" (Published by the American Vegan Society)—7/- post free. " Unnecessary Cruelty Among Farm Animals " (By a Veterinary Surgeon)—-6d. post free. Spreading the Word Literature concerning the vegan way of life will gladly be sent free to any address. Just send address and 6d. for postage to the secretary, 82 Brightfield Road, London, S.E.12. DEED OF COVENANT The Vegan Society, being a Charity, is not liable for Income Tax. Supporters who pay Income Tax at the full rate and who are prepared to complete a Seven-Year Covenant, to pay an annual sum to The Vegan Society, can, without additional cost to themselves substantially increase the value to The Vegan Society of their annual payment. For instance, if a supporter gives £2 2s. Od. per annum The Vegan Society can recover Income Tax from the Inland Revenue of £1 9s. 6d. and so in proportion for larger or smaller payments. In the event of death the covenant terminates at once. For further information and form of Covenant please write to: The Treasurer, Mrs. Grace Smith, 24 Oakwood Park Road, London, N.14. A REMINDER Kindly make a note of the dates by which we must receive your letters and reports for inclusion in " The Vegan ". For the Spring issue—Before February 1st. For the Summer issue—Before May 1st. For the Autumn issue—Before August 1st. For the Winter issue—Before November 1st. Please do not leave your letter until the last day, avoid disappointment and help us by posting as early as possible. T H E EDITORS.

FROM THE SECRETARY'S POSTBAG POINT

AND

COUNTERPOINT

" I want to change over to a vegan diet, but my medical relatives say I must at least have some milk every day to keep healthy." Yes, it's a good safeguard to have some milk daily—but NOT COW'S MILK. There are several vegan milks on the market— all of them fortified with vitamins D and B12. They are Granogen, Plamil, and Velactin, and all are available from Health Food Stores. " I am trying to eliminate white sugar, but do not see any boiled sweets or jams made with brown. Are there any for occasional use?" There is a good range of " Dekama Fruits ", (orange, lemon, etc.), made with brown sugar and added vitamin C and Lecithin at l/7d. per bag, also Eustace Miles' Barley Sugar Sweets, made with Barbados sugar. The firm of Allinson Ltd, make brown sugar jams in a variety of flavours and E.M. Jams are also made with unbleached sugar. " M y stored cooking apples won't keep.forever, but I hesitate to make apple-jelly with white sugar. Has anyone ever tried it with brown?" Yes, Mrs. Drake has often made it with brown sugar. She advises to use only | pound of demerara sugar for every pound given in any ordinary recipe. Barbados sugar can be used too— but, of course, it will give a darker colour. " My nearest shop is a newsagent and confectioner who sells roasted peanuts. I would like to use these for cooking occasionally but my friends tell me peanuts are inferior in food value! " The high protein content of peanuts is of good quality. Here is a recipe for a peanut roast, which is equally tasty hot or cold: — 12 ozs. roasted peanuts 1 onion 3 ozs. cornmeal 1 dessertspoon Vesop 1 teaspoon of a mixture of 1 oz. vegan margarine curry, thyme and mixed 1 dessertspoon oil for roasting sweet herbs tin METHOD: Mill or grind the nuts. Fry half the onion, chopped, in the margarine till transparent, add to all other ingredients, including the remaining chopped onion. Form into an oblong loaf, (adding a very little water if necessary), put into oiled roasting tin and bake in moderate oven (350° F.) for forty-five or sixty minutes. Baste it now and then. 13

The" American Vegan Society, Malaga, New Jersey 08328, U.S.A., is anxious to have details of any British children, who have been raised entirely on the vegan diet and principles. Young American vegans are few it appears, and many parents who agree with veganism in principle still fear to put it to the test for their ahdldren until they have been re-assured by others who have successfully brought up a family in this way. Will members who have brought up their children on a vegan diet, or any young vegans who have been so since birth, please write to Mr. Dinshah, the American Vegan Society, at the above address. From time to time someone says " Why do you not have branches in other towns?". This is very reasonable of course, but it is not generally realised how very thinly over the surface we vegans are spread. We would, naturally, be delighted if members would contact each other and keep in touch through a local group and we wish our members would do tihis whenever possible. Perhaps the best way is to join the local vegetarian society, if there is one, and if not, to start one. One of our very active young members, anxious to further vegan principles and promote more humane living in general, has done this in Maidstone and in this way he is able to introduce vegan ideas and speakers to a receptive group of people. To help anyone who feels drawn to this work, Chris Shilling has sent us a few notes on his experiences, which we are glad to pass on. Dear fellow members, The Medway Vegetarian Society was formed in the summer of 1965 with the idea of promoting the vegetarian way of life in the Maidstone and Medway Towns area of Kent. During our first year we expanded from eight members to twenty-three. Although we held four meetings that year we were unable to do much in the way of publicity to reach the general public, being so small. We now have thirty-three members and quite a few prospective members and enough money to run a small publicity campaign. This will consist of Dayglow orange postersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;" WHY KILL FOR F O O D ? " in 2\ inch black letters and the announcement that free literature is available. We hope to have several of these posters on local buses and in health food stores and in windows, bill boards, etc. The next line of attack is dayglow orange post cards printed in black. These are for placing in shop windows amongst the usual 6d. per two weeks' advertisement. Another three hundred .slips with tihe same wording have been printed for general distribution. Also 600 slips with the following have been duplicated: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 14

" G O VEGETARIAN " The Medway Vegetarian Society was formed to promote the vegetarian way of life, and give vegetarians, and those considering becoming vegetarians, a local organisation which could arrange meetings and informative talks. We will distribute free and without obligation, information on how to become a vegetarian. This literature will be distributed in conjunction with literature supplied by the national societies. I think that Che Society has now got to a stage where it will keep going, and there are several members who are keen enough to keep it going should I leave the area. The main thing to remember, now that we have found our feet, is that the Society exists to promote vegetarianism, and not to fall into a " tea and biscuits once a month " Society. For any vegan who thinks that there is a need for a vegetarian society in his area, a word of encouragement. Starting and running a small local society does not take up too large a proportion of one's spare time. I have been going to college for six months of the year, building a single seat aeroplane,. starting the society and finding time to lounge around and socialise at the same time. Why not have a go? CHRISTOPHER R. SHILLING, Secretary. The Society library is now functioning and many members have been borrowing books. There are still a few books left in the library so do not hesitate to send in your requests. The following donations have been received and our thanks go to those concerned: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; " Crimes Against Creation " by Marie Dreyfus. "Saline Oxygen Therapy and Natural Immunity" by John B. Score. A large number of back issues of " The Vegan Journal " presented by various members. NPOINTS FROM THE PRESS Extracts from " The War Against World Poverty " by Olwen Battersby. " A second line of advance with revolutionary possibilities receives little publicity. Roughly half the world's population exist without meat. An average acre of hand produces 250-300 lbs. of animal food, ten times Chat amourn in cereal food, and 100 times that in vegetable food. Plant proteins, if judiciously combined, can rival animal proteins as food for man, and can even cure disease due to protein deficiency. Denmark, forced in World War I to become vegetarian has a higher health record than ever before. 15

" This is not to say that all men must immediately become vegetarians or vegans. It is to suggest that serious study be given to the subject of obtaining protein from plants, grass and soya beans; to making attractive synthetic foods; and to increasing the vegetarian proportion of the world's population. " At Rothampsted experimental station, machinery can extract from several tons of leaf a day half to three-quarters of the protein present—a logical extension of the well-established processes for extracting sugar from cane or beet, and oil from olives or soya. Peanuts, sesame, cotton seed and coconut can be processed for oil and protein. With the help of the FAO and UNICEF, projects of this nature are developing in a number of poorer countries; the field for exploration is immense." Contributed by Mr. G. H. MALKIE.

LETTER TO T H E B.B.C. FROM ONE OF OUR MEMBERS Dear Woman's Hour, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a remark in the Home Service Programme to the effect that vegetable proteins are not necessarily inferior to those derived from animal sources. This will be of considerable interest to all those vegetarians who, although they would like to adopt the vegan diet, have been dissuaded 'by the common practice of referring to all vegetable proteins as " second class." It infers that these are in some way inferior, an entirely erroneous assumption, as the many fit and healthy vegans can prove. With protein foods, as with all others, variety is an advantage, but it is the importance of whole foods, as uncontaminated as it is possible to get them in these days of "processed" everything, which should be stressed, the only real insurance against subhealth, or even ill-health. Contrary to my expectations (for I too had been warned against second-class proteins), I have enjoyed excellent health from the time I adopted this pure, simple diet of fruits, grains, vegetables and nuts. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. E.B. Extract from "Human Nutrition and Dietetics" by Sir Stanley Davidson and R. Passmore, 3rd edition 1966, chapter 18: — " . . . there is no evidence that any protein of animal origin is essential for man." [We could not want it plainer than that, or from a greater authority.—ED.]

" It is the customary fate of new truths to begin as heresies, and to end as superstitions."—T. H . H U X L E Y . 16

COMMODITY A N D OTHER NEWS B y EVA

BATT

FOOTWEAR Dunlop Boys' Slippers " Monmouth" Fleece-lined Duvteen (brushed cotton) Cognac 5163 and burgundy 5164. Sizes 11 to 5, 16/1 Id.

Dunlop Ladies' Slippers " Buckingham" looped nylon with fleece lining and heel, in red 5-369, royal 5-370 and brown 5-371. Sizes 3 to 8, 22/6d. " Bodmin" in looped nylon with simulated ocelot lining, small heel. Brown only 5-368. Sizes 3 to 8, 2 4 / l i d . Dunlop Bootee-Style Ladies' Slippers "Ohatsworth " foamed nylon, lined, simulated astrakhan collar and zip front, with heel. Sizes 3 to 8, 25/1 Id. Brown 5379, moss 5380. " Dunbar" slip-on bootee with astrakhan collar in foamed moquette with knitted lining. Red/black pattern. With heel. 5382. Sizes 3 to 8, 2 9 / l i d . " Ripon ", similar to " Dunbar " in royal/black. 5381, 29/1 Id. Low-heeled ladies' slippers in Duvteen, corduroy, ocelot, velour or nylon. " Ludlow ", " Laughton ", " Ludham ", " Lythe ", and " Larkhall ". All lined, sizes 3 to 8, 18/1 Id. to 2 3 / l i d . " Westbrook" low-heeled, lined, foamed nylon slipper with full nylon collar. Red/pink 5354, royal/It. blue 5355, brown/ honey 5356. Sizes 3 to 8, 18/lid. " Waterbeaoh ". Similar to " Westbrook " with white poodle apron and Turkish toe. Luxurious nylon collar. Red 5357, blue 5358. Sizes 3 to 8, 19/1 Id. Dunlop Slippers for Men " Maltby" fleece-lined, Grecian style in Duvteen in cognac 5031, burgundy 5032 or fawn 5033. Sizes 6 to 12, 21/-. " Maidstone " side-gusset slipper in heavy ribbed cord. Brown 5039, wine 5040. Sizes 6 to 12, 17/lid. All other models in the current Dunlop range of slippers contain wool, swansdown, or lambswool. A few new lightweight shoes in the DUNLOP range for next season; all are " extra " fittings, broad and deep. For Men. " Osprey," a high cut Chelsea in brown Norzon suede. Sizes 6â&#x20AC;&#x201D;12. 25s. 9d. " Mallard." A two-eyelet Gibson style, in brown Norzon suede with moulded outsole. 25s. 9d. 17

For Ladies. 'r " Blackbird." Slip-on, with slashed apron, in Norzon suede, in black, brown, or moss green. Moulded sole. Sizes 3—8. 22s. 6d. " Quail." Slip-on, raised apron with concealed elastic gusset, in Norzon suede. Sizes 3—8. Black, brown or moss green. 22s. 6d. Also a plastic Bandeau Mule in black, bright red or yellow. Foam insole, moulded outsole and small heel. Sizes 3—8. Very attractive. 21s. A quality Corfam shoe for men (with non-leather soles and linings, of course) will shortly be on sale in the Beauty Without Cruelty Boutique at 49 Upper Montague Street, London, W.l, and the -range of ladies' shoes in stock is being steadily expanded. Ladies' fashion boots have arrived and soon some brightly coloured, pretty summer shoes will be on sale. Michaela Denis, the big game conservationist, film actress and author; on a visit to London recently, called in at the Boutique to shop and meet friends. She said how delighted she is that there was somewhere where one could shop with an easy mind and not have to be always asking "of what is it made?" Samples of " Viva " shoes had been sent out to her in Africa and she has been very pleased with them. A Warning or a Promise ? Towards More Humane " Understandings " Speaking to the Northampton Shoemakers' Society, Mr. J. H. Levison, managing director of the British Shoe Corporation, said that in twenty years' time, possibly ten, shoes would be made by a completely mechanised process, and warned that there was going to be a far greater revolution in shoe manufacturing during the next twenty years than there had been in the last twenty. He further predicted that leather would be completely replaced by synthetic shoe .materials, adding, " Undoubtedly leather will die out, except for the very high-class shoe." —From The Shoe and Leather News. We have just learned, with disappointment, that some of our readers have been buying " T u f " brand shoes because the advertisements stress the fact that the soles are welded to the uppers. The error is reasonable to some extent because at one time leather could not be welded to anything, but this is no longer the oase, and in " Tuf " shoes the .non-leather soles are welded to LEATHER uppers. Readers are urged to make an effort to get only those shoes which we recommend if they wish, to be sure they are not financially supporting the slaughterhouse. 18

For full details of " U 1st ron " blankets, mentioned in a previous issue of this magazine, write for the free booklet " Blanket Shopping" and the address of your nearest stockists, to: Wormalds & Walker Ltd., Dewsbury, Yorks. A new pillow will be in the shops after filling, made by I.C.I, is reported as resembling It is washable, and, say the manufacturers, as It should be the answer for those people who Dunlopillo type too " bouncy ".

Christmas. The fine cotton wool. soft as " down ". say they find the

I have been painting recently, using the new nylon decorators brushes and have found them quite satisfactory after the first few minutes getting used to the unaccustomed " feel". Also the bristles remain fast and do not work out onto the paintwork. The brand name of the steel strings which, we are assured, compare favourably with the gut type for some instruments, is " Lycon ". Guitar strings are now made of nylon, and, in the percussion section, plastic drum heads are making an appearance. Express Silver Line Margarine. Although the wrapper states: " Made from purest vegetable oils. Does not contain animal f a t " this product is not vegan. The explanation is that, like other vegetarian fats on which we have commented in the past, a small quantity of non-fat milk is used for flavouring. BANANA ICE CREAM 1 coup-soya milk -i oup sunflower seed oil

i oup mapte syrup 1 'banana

M E T H O D : Put the soya milk into an electric blender, or else use a rotary whisk and bowl, and gradually add the oil with the blender running, or whisking briskly if using a rotary whisk. When oil is well blended, add maple syrup and sliced banana. Blend well. Put into a refrigerator tray and freeze. Any other fruit may be used instead of banana. Ground nuts may also be used. Ice crystals often form in ice cream made in a refrigerator. To overcome this, remove the mixture when half frozen. Put immediately into a cool bowl and whisk thoroughly with a rotary whisk. Replace 'in the freezing tray, return to the refrigerator, until frozen. 窶認rom Miss THELMA LARKIN.

" That man is truly ethical who shatters no ice crystal as it sparkles in the sun, tears no leaf from a tree, destroys, harms or hinders no life . . . " ALBERT SCHWEITZER. 19

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR 1965 £ 86

EXPENDITURE

Secretarial Expenses and Duplicating Secretary's Salary Postage, Stationery and Telephone Bank Charges General Advertising Honorariums Audit and Accountancy

70 4 14

335 185

150

Annual General Meeting 1965 ... Annual Dinner " The Vegan "—Cost of Printing 44 Less Income from Sales £31 6 106 Less Advertisements £40 19

£ s. 55 0 73 9 99 4 2 0 8 13 7

d. 4 6 2 6 3 0

245 14 4 2 7 19 8 290 72

5 4 217 15 2

Donations—International Vegetarian Union Animal Fair Excess of Income over Expenditure Transferred to Accumulated Fund

177

284 19 5 £760 11

£565

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 1965 £

LIABILITIES

£ ACCUMULATED

660 177 837 28

Balance at September 30th, 1965 Add—Excess of Income over Expenditure for Year Ended 30.9.1966 SUNDRY

£865

s. d.

FUND

CREDITOR

837

284 19 5 1,122 5 9 15

£1,132

I have prepared the above Balance Sheet and annexed Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended September 30th, 1966, from the Signed F. R. E L U S (Dr.), Treasurer. Signed G R A C E SMITH (Mrs.), Assistant Treasurer. October 31st, 1966.

THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30th, 1966 1965 £ 298

172 50

INCOME

Subscriptions Donations Legacy Interest— 6 Bank Deposit 9 Post Office Savings Bank

s. d.

s. d. 7 6 0 9 0 0

12 8 8 3 113 28 6 11 3 11 18 1 4

Dividends (net) Profit on Realisation of Investments Food Guide—Net Income from Sales Pamphlets—Net Income from Sales Profit on Sales of Vegan Badges Animal Fair

22 4

£ 368 271 50

£760 11

6 10 8

£565

SEPTEMBER 30th, 1966 1965 £

ASSETS

d. INVESTMENTS AT C O S T —

Goblin (B.V.C.) Ltd.—400 Ordinary Shares of 51- each Lambert Brothers Ltd.—150 Ordinary Shares of 51- each Trust of Insurance Shares

218

105 17

170 18 8 276 15

STOCKS AT C O S T —

2 19 117 25 163 131

" T h e Vegan" Food Guides Literature Vegan Badges

2 5 17 4 101 15 22 0

SUNDRY DEBTORS BALANCES AT WESTMINSTER

Current Account Deposit Account

BANK

0 6 1 0

143 50

LIMITED—

156 0 505 19

353

662

:865

£1,132

>ooks and vouchers of the Vegan Society and certify that they agree therewith tocording to the information and explanations given to me. Signed D. E. BACON, Certified Accountant, Kenley, Surrey.

VITAMIN B12 By F . R . ELLIS, M.D., and FRANK W O K E S , Ph.D., F . R . I . C . Members of the Vegetarian Nutritional Research Council It is perverse of nature that she appears not to subscribe fully to the vegan faith. While fully sympathetic to the ideals that inspire veganism, it does seem to me egotistical to imagine that the " fruits of the earth " ought to provide completely adequate human nutrition. For one thing such a diet inevitably comprises mainly cultivated varieties of cereals, nuts, pulses, fruits and vegetables, which were not bred for this objective. The remarkable thing is rather that such an arbitrary selection of diet does so very nearly provide fully for man's needs. True, various deficiencies can arise unless the diet is carefully balanced, and plenty of sunshine is available to create the missing vitamin D ; these requirements are the greater during the nutritionally critical periods of growth and pregnancy. However, the only absolute lack appears to be that of vitamin B12. Ironically, vegans could probably get by in this respect too, if they were not also fastidiously hygienic! Herbivorous and frugivorous animals either have totally different digestive systems, or are less fussy than we suppose about refecting insects, or get their vitamin B1S from contaminated food or water. Some species of monkeys kept in captivity on a clean vegan diet do suffer from B1S deficiency. Fortunately vitamin B1S is now available inexpensively, made by large-scale fermentation processes in which micro-organisms are nourished on purely vegan and mineral products. Supplementation of the diet with the needful minute amounts of this vitamin does not seem to conflict in any ivay with vegan principles and ideals. The following article shows that such supplementation is effective in overcoming the deficiency. D R . E . LESTER SMITH, F . R . S .

Under the microscope vitamin B12 is seen as dark red needlelike prismatic crystals with the formula C 63 H ss 0 14 Ni4 PCo. The red colour is due to the presence of cobalt by means of which cyanide can be taken up into the vitamin B i2 molecule, yielding cyanocobalamin. The cyanide group can be replaced by a hydroxyl group, giving another more active but less stable form which in faintly alkaline solution, as in the blood, is called hydroxocobalamin. ! Hydroxocobalamin very readily takes up cyanide to form .cyanocobalamin, but the cyanide is only loosely held and can be split off'by the action of light, when the molecule reverts to hydroxocobalamin. Ampoules containing cyanocobalamin inj'ec22

tions when exposed to sunlight gradually lose cyanide, some hydroxocobalamin thus being formed. The cyanide remains in the sealed ampoule and can be taken up again, regenerating cyanacobalamin, when the ampoule is put in the dark. This taking up and throwing off of cyanide is probably similar to what may take place in the human body under enzyme action, but it is not known whether or not the in vivo combination of cyanide and hydroxocobalamin is an enzymically accelerated reaction. Vitamin BI2 serves as a peculiar carrier of cyanide,, transferring it to the specific part of the protein molecule where.its reaction is required. Most people get their B12 from their food. This vitamin is carried through the intestinal wall into the blood stream by the actions of the intrinsic factor, a protein-like substance produced in the stomach. The richest source of vitamin B12 is liver, one ounce of which provides fifteen to thirty micrograms, or about a millionth of an ounce. However, as our normal supplies of intrinsic factor can deal with only one or two micrograms daily, most of this high dietary intake of the vitamin passes out of our bodies without being absorbed, thus being wasted. This also applies to large doses of the vitamin in medicinal tablets, capsules or syrups. Dairy produce is a more economical source of B12. A fresh free-range egg, or half to one pint of good milk, or two to four ounces of cheese daily might give us most of the vitamin B12 we need, which is about two to three micrograms per day. Unfortunately, these foods are supplied to us without any guarantee of their Bi2 contents, which may, in fact, vary widely. Vegetarians relying solely on dairy produce for their vitamin B12 requirements are sometimes found to have low serum B12 levels (below 140 micro micrograms per millilitre, the normal being 140 to 900), indicating a deficiency.of the vitamin. Vegans, who consume no dairy produce or other animal food which might provide them with B12, may gradually develop quite a serious deficiency well below 100 micro micrograms per mil. If before becoming vegan they were receiving enough vitamin B12 from their diet they will probably have built up in their livers a store that will last them for several years. Hence B12 deficiency may not become apparent until they have been living on the vegan diet for several years. Three choices lie open to vegans and vegetarians. First; they can ignore all that we have learned about vitamin B12 and eat according to their respective regimes. This is what vegetarians have almost always done, and vegans also until a few years ago. Clinical findings indicate that in long-standing vegetarians it has resulted in slight deficiencies occurring in about 25% and serious deficiencies in about 5%. The recent national. trend towards consuming more battery and less free-range eggs has probably increased the incidence of these deficiencies amongst vegetarians who eat eggs and don't ensure that they are fresh free-range eggs. 23

(Vitamin B12 gradually disappears from eggs during prolonged storage.) In long-term vegans (more than tive years on the diet) vitamin B12 deficiencies are much commoner and more serious among those who don't supplement their diet with vegan foods fortified with vitamin BI2. Slight deficiencies have been detected in 38% and serious deficiencies in 25%. Early studies on British vegans led to the discovery of human dietary deficiency of vitamin B^2 that was reported to the Third International Congress of Nutrition in Amsterdam in 1954. The second choice open to vegans and vegetarians is to supplement their diets with varying quantities of processed vegan foods fortified with vitamin B12. Vegetarians could, of course, use suitable vegetarian foods, but as the preparation, standardization and .distribution of such foods involves much time and expense, it is more economical to prepare foods that can be consumed by tooth vegans and vegetarians. These foods, being based entirely on plant products, can play an important part in solving the world food problem. The volunteers who have helped in our investigations during the last few years have taken the third choiceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to live on vegan diets with controlled intakes of vitamin B12 obtained mainly from the processed vegetable protein foods fortified with standardized amounts of the vitamin. Blood tests at regular intervals have shown that B12 deficiency can thus be avoided and have provided information of great nutritional value. Vitamin B12 is the only known vitamin that is almost exclusively synthesised by micro-organisms. Wherever it is found, its origin can be traced back to certain bacteria or other microorganisms growing in soil, water, or the intestines or rumen of some animals. This vitamin cannot be synthesised by any animal body, and probably this is true for the higher plants. Some higher plants appear to be able to take it up from the soil if the latter contains high quantities from sewage or heavy manuring. The sewage amd manure contain large amounts of vitamin B 12 -producing bacteria. The vitamin is found in some seaweeds, which probably obtain it from bacteria growing on their surface. When grown in pure culture, some of the algae are able to synthesise this vitamin, but not yet in significant quantities. Vitamin B12 is absorbed by the small intestine, particularly the lower end. For the absorption of small amounts the intrinsic factor is necessary. This factor combines with the vitamin, which can then 'be absorbed. Small amounts of B1Z cannot be absorbed in the absence of intrinsic factor. This is the case in pernicious anaemia. If very large oral doses of B,2 are taken (e.g., 50â&#x20AC;&#x201D;1,000 micrograms, or ÂŁ a millionth to 10 millionths of an ounce), a small fraction of it can be absorbed without the assistance of intrinsic factor. Vitamin B l2 cannot normally be 24

absorbed from the large intestine, although this contains vast amounts of B 12 -producing bacteria. There is some evidence, however, that a few vegans can absorb the vitamin from their large intestine. The human body cannot make its own B i2 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this claim is often made, but is unfounded. It must be realised that the only known source of BJ2 is that produced by microorganisms. " The most intensive natural synthesis occurs within the fore stomach of ruminants. These animals are able to digest the rumen organisms when they pass into the stomach proper and to absorb the products, including vitamin B12 " (" Vitamin B 12 "â&#x20AC;&#x201D;E. Lester Smith, 3rd edition, 1965.) Such animals living on a diet free from Bi2 can contain enough of this vitamin to maintain themselves in good health and provide milk with sufficient B12 in it for their calves. The breast milk of a few vegan mothers that we have tested has a low content of vitamin B12, and it is advisable for them to supplement their vegan diets with adequate amounts of this vitamin. Vitamin B12 is distributed throughout the body. It is present in every body cell, but is found in much larger concentrations in the liver and bone marrow. The normal body contains enough stored B12 to last two to three years. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid and possibly ribonucleic acid. It also plays a part in protein metabolism, as evidenced by its involvement in the synthesis of methionine. There is also evidence that it is involved in onecarbon transfers as well as a possible role in lipid metabolism. There is an inter-relationship between vitamin B i2 and pantothenic acid, and a close interlocking of the functions of B12 and folic acid. It is evident that the actions of this vitamin are extremely complicated and cannot be discussed in a short article. However, it may be said that this vitamin plays a vital role in human metabolism and is probably essential for the synthesis of nucleic acid and protein. A deficiency of vitamin B12 affects every cell in the human body, but particularly the cells of the blood-forming tissues in the bone marrow and the cells of the nervous system. A particular type of anaemia called megaloblastic anemia will result if the deficiency is prolonged. This type of anaemia will only respond to vitamin B12 or folic acid, and in very rare instances to ascorbic acid (when there has been a dietary deficiency of vitamin C). There are many causes of a B12 deficiency, but the commonest is pernicious anaemia, which is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor due to atrophy of the stomach mucosa. A small dose of B12 causes a dramatic effect in pernicious anaemia, the patient feeling better in a few hours. The bone marrow returns to normal in two days and the anaemia is cured in a few weeks. The other important effect of a prolonged B12 deficiency is upon the cells erf the nervous system. This may manifest in

three waysâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;there may be degeneration of the peripheral nerves, resulting in periphetal neuritis ; there may be degeneration of the long tracts in the spinal cord, resulting in sub-acute combined degeneration of the cord, or there may be degeneration of the cells of the cerebral cortex, resulting in mental manifestation, sometimes called " megaloblastic madness". Peripheral neuritis and mental changes are reversible with B12 therapy, but subacute combined degeneration is not. In addition, chronic deficiency of this vitamin causes a host of other symptoms, such as sore tongue, dysphagia, gastrointestinal symptoms, extreme lethargy, etc. It is dangerous to treat a vitamin B12 deficiency megaloblastic anaemia with folic acid as this ipreoipitates the neurological degenerations, so it is essential to know whether one is dealing with a B12 or folate deficiency. This can only be ascertained by complicated laboratory tests, the most important being the micro-biological assay of the serum B,2 and folate levels. Another important action of B12 is its role in cyanide metabolism. Hydroxocobalamin, as â&#x20AC;˘ previously mentioned, readily takes up cyanide, and is a most effective antidote to cyanide poisoning, in which it appears to act as a catalyst. Vitamin B12, providing hydroxocobalamin in the human body, is being used to treat tobacco amblyopia, in which the cyanide inhaled in tobacco smoke has affected the eyes. It is not yet known whether this treatment has proved successful, and it is advisable that persons deficient in vitamin B,2, as shown by their low serum B12 levels, should refrain from too much smoking. Extract from Daily Express, September 9th, 1966. COWS' MILK KILLS A BABY Child was allergic to it, says Coroner A two-month-old bottle-fed baby girl died because she was allergic to cows' milk. Mr. Frederick Hails, Stoke city coroner, recorded a.verdict of "AccidentaLDeath " on Beverley Joy Faram, of Dividy Road, Bucknall, Staffordshire, and said :â&#x20AC;&#x201D; " I am satisfied this death was from an allergy to cows' milk and it would not be right to bring in a verdict that it was a natural death. Considerable medical research was now going into the problem. Most babies in the country were bottle fed and there was the hazard that a few had this allergy." Jack McClelland, the well-known swimmer and all-round sportsman, commented on this difficulty at a recent committee meeting and added that a hospital dietician recently asked him for advice on feeding some baibies which were not thriving on cows' milk. He suggested plantmilk, which was found to be so 26

successful that a regular order has ibeen placed. From the quantities this hospital is using it would appear that, more and more babies are being introduced to the vegan milk. It is good for other purposes as well; have you tried making ice cream with it? A member sent us a recipe which will be found elsewhere in this issue ; we have just tasted it here in the office and it is really delicious. To return to the artificially-fed 'babies, we have just noticed a report in the Evening News (September 28 th) by Michael Jeffries, headed " D o e s the Bottle Spoil the Child?" In it he quotes Dr. Michael Grysreerdt, who believes that bottle-fed babies suffer from a diminished mother-child relationship and are more likely to develop anti-social tendencies than breast-fed babies. The seeds of neurosis are sown in the first few weeks of life, and mothers should .be encouraged to breast-feed their babies for at least the first six months, is his advice. We have always held this view very strongly, and it is encouraging to know that at last people are becoming aware of the importance of natural feeding. We sincerely hope that all maternity hospitals and nursing homes will follow this advice and impress young mothers with the importance of these formative months. Very few are doing so at present it seems, the reason usually given is that they are too busy to give advice.

A PUBLIC

MEETING

will b e held at t h e CAXTON HALL. WESTMINSTER. L O N D O N , S.W, 1 on THURSDAY, 9th MARCH, 1967. at 7.30 p . m .

AN I L L U S T R A T E D

LECTURE

will be given by K. D A L Z I E L O ' B R I E N on

'Increased Food Production byÂ° Veganic Methods' â&#x20AC;˘Withholding all Animal Organic Manures The L e c t u r e will b e followed by a discussion.

ADMISSION FREE

Do you ever wonder " What is in it?" when purchasing Soup, Soap or Margarine? Don't 'hope for the b e s t ' in future, send for

THE VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FOOD GUIDE WITH HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS and know which are the humanely produced articles. This 40-page booklet lists hundreds of items conveniently grouped for quick reference. 2/6d. post free, from: THE VEGAN SOCIETY, 123 Baker Street, Enfield, Middlesex 27

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Has the Vegan Society considered issuing certificates of nutritional merit? With the increasing interest in diet and its bearing on health (see "Animal Machines" by Ruth Harrison) I feel that now is a propitious time to encourage wider knowledge and to suggest that the newly-born set in a healthy pattern of living. With a widening interest, backed by curiosity I dare say, 1 am having wonderful results. We have joined with LA LECHE LEAGUE Int., U.S.A., and are busy recovering the near-lost womanly art of breast-feeding here in dairy-fed N.Z. We have a Housewives' Round Table to whom we endeavour to bring education and encouragement of a natural way of life. With the example of this healthy little girl, now fourteen months old, who has been fed, as were my daughters (except for honey) on a vegan diet. I have a 'phone advisory group who are having great success with their babies, following along our lines. With the emphasis on academic achievement these days, I feel a certificate would be advantageous. Please let me know what the Society thinks. With best wishes. KATHLEEN PEARCE

(L.M.)

New Zealand. (Such a scheme has been before us for a long while, but it requires a small army of investigators to speed it up. However, it is our aim, and suggestions from members will be welcomed. EDITOR.)

I think it is a great pity that our Plantmilk has been compelled to change its name, no product could have had a more apt or truly descriptive name than " Plantmilk ". Also, I cannot understand how such a ruling can have been enforced, as the word " milk" does not apply to cow's milk alone. The New Comprehensive Dictionary under the heading " milk " includes the following various uses for the word other than cow's milk: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The juice of certain plants. A preparation of herbs, drugs, etc., as in complexion milk. Milk of Lime. To draw from. To fleece or exploit. Milk-weed, milkwood trees, milkwort, milk-sap. And how about milk-teeth? Milk of Magnesia? The milk of human kindness? An entirely different kettle of fish apparently. If we cannot retain the name of Plantmilk, surely the Milky Way must also be re-named? I feel dismayed that time and energy (and our money!) is wasted on fiddling matters of this nature, while glaring inaccuracies, quite obviously intended to deceive, are allowed to be 28

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THE VEGAN SOCIETY 123 Baker St., Enfield, Middx. Contains C h a r c o a l to absorb toxins a n d G a r l i c for internal purity Catarrh and Bronchitis are conditions of the mucus linings and bronchial tubes. The chief cause is bacterial infection which impure blood cannot clear. This is why the new CHARLIC tablets are so important. They contain a combination of two of the most powerful ingredients for the treatment of Catarrh and Bronchitis . . . Charcoal and Garlic. Charcoal to absorb impurities from the body and Garlic to act as an internal germicide to attack and conquer harmful bacteria. If YOU suffer from Catarrh or Bronchitis, you should start a course of CHARLIC tablets straight away. 5/6 per 100, 12/6 per 300 6? 38/- per 1,000. Post 9d. extra. from Health Food Stores St Herbalists, or direct from the makers:

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published every day through all the mediums of national advertising in the interest of big business. Were it not such an overworked word, I would sign myself . " disgusted ". Torquay. E. BRADFORD. From Granose Foods Limited, Stanborough Park, Watford, Herts. December 5th, 1966. Dear Sir, FLUORIDATION As you may know, Watford Corporation was one of the first in this country to fluoridate its public water supply. As a result of this we have received a number of enquiries from members of the public who are a little disturbed lest the purity of our products should be endangered as a result of this action. I am happy to say that we have on Stanborough Park our own private well from which we are able to draw pure water for the manufacture of our health foods. This means that we are not dependent upon tihe local mains supply for production pu rposes. If you could see your way clear to passing this information on to your readers, I would be much obliged, as I feel that this will allay any anxiety which some of them may have with regard to this matter. Yours sincerely, (signed) B. GOULSTONE, General Manager. Kindly note my change of address, I always read the "Vegan" with great interest and would not like to miss a single copy, or to receive it late. Good wishes to you all in your fine work. Arizona. J.L. THE INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR FOR ANIMAL WELFARE The Bazaar was crowded right from the start and the atmosphere was gay and friendly. The stalls were well stocked with a wide variety of goods at-jg^sonable prices. You name it—they had it. A spray of fresnT^aves for 6d. Cushions, toilet goods, jewellery, cakes, knitwear and luscious home-made jam. There were many bargains to be found at the two hat bars. The helper at the Japanese stall obligingly modelled a kimono for a prospective customer. A steady queue kept the tombola busy and everyone seemed to win a prize. Corn dollies—# rarity these days—were on sale at the Greek stall. A visit to the palmist was a rewarding experience. G . LAMBERT.

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DINNER MENU Fruit Cap Equal quantites of Honeydew melon, apple and pear. Unsweetened orange juice. Cut fruit into small dice and mix. Put a tablespoonful into fruit cups. Cover with orange juice. Pineapple Coleslaw 1 cup salad oil (unfavoured) 1 cup diced unpeeled red 2 tablespoons pineapple juice apples 4 cups shredded cabbage £ cup chopped celery 1 cup pineapple chunks Lettuce Mix the dressing and pineapple juice, blending well! Toss with the cabbage, apples, pineapple and celery. Serve in bowl lined with lettuce leaves. Stuffed Aubergine or Small Marrow 2 ozs. milled walnuts 3 ozs. wholemeal bread 1 small chopped onion small teaspoon of sage pinch of sea salt small teaspoon Barmene 1 aubergine, young or small dissolved in hot water marrow Crumble bread and soak in the liquid, adding other ingredients. Remove centre of aubergine, fill with the nut mixture and bake for about an hour in a moderately hot oven—400-450°. (Tlie nut mixture could also be used for fritters or a baked savoury, etc.) Serve with vegetables in season and a side plate of salad. Prune Jelly | lb. prunes Citrus stock (made by soaking 2 tablespoons Barbados orange and lemon peel in sugar water) 2 teaspoons Gelozone Wash prunes, cover with boiling water and leave to soak for about thirty-six hours or until soft enough to be stoned and mashed. Add citrus stock to make up to one pint. Add dissolved Gelozone and bring to the boil, stirring well. Add sugar and beat all well together. Pour into individual dishes and leave to set (about one hour).

"After some years' experience I have come to realise that for most people the present moment, whenever it may be, is never a good one to start breaking a bad habit (like drinking milk) or beginning a new one (like living without eggs)." E.B.. 32

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