ABSTRACT
The nding is clear: geophagy remains relatively mysterious. Although its existence has now been documented worldwide for at least two millennia and studied for several centuries, the reasons why humans consume soil are still a matter of puzzlement for many and a subject of research for some. Indeed, researchers from elds as diverse as chemistry and geography, medicine and geology, sociology and pediatrics, history of religion and pedology, nutrition and primatology have investigated the practice, the practitioners, and the product consumed. Myths and falsehoods have been debunked and much has been learned: people do not eat clay because of mental or physical sickness, and soil really does fulll physical and emotional needs.
