Answer to an Inquiry from the Coming Man by Mark Twain. Short summary

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When scientist Agassiz discovered that the phosphorus in fish was needed by the body, he began to be pestered with questions about how much fish to eat. M. Twain wittily answered that question.

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A short newspaper article. To understand it, you need to know the backstory. In the 19th century, the scientist Agassiz discovered that the phosphorus in fish was beneficial to the body, and in particular developed cognitive abilities. The scientist recommended that people eat fish more often.

In response to this discovery the researcher began to be bombarded with questions. How much fish to eat per day in terms of the weight of the eater. The letters were sometimes quite idiotic. M. Twain decided to respond to such a message.

He wrote that it is difficult to determine the amount of fish in the diet of each individual. You have to go by the measure of an individual’s mental capacity. And if you take the addressee’s opus, he needs two standard whales.