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Oxygen consumption, measured in a closed circuit apparatus, and related to age, was lower in 22 marasmic infants aged from 2 to 12 months than in 52 normal infants aged 3 to 18 months. In relation to bodyweight, consumption was similar in controls and in 11 marasmic infants receiving adequate energy and protein but failing to show a growth response, and was higher for 11 marasmic infants showing good response to an adequate diet. That basis was not considered to give the best measure of oxygen consumption because of the lower fat and water content of malnourished children. Relating results to height was thought to give a more accurate picture.-E. Hobson.