136 APPLICATION OF METHOD IX INFECTIOUS DISEASES 



indeed, it is quite likely that this is a secondary 

 phenomenon. The fact, that in cases of eclampsia a 

 disturbance may occur in the functions of the liver, 

 deserves much attention. In two cases the only two 

 which have been investigated along these lines a 

 disturbance of the functions of the thyroid gland was 

 also found. 



A very useful field of research is also supplied by 

 the tumours. Carcinoma, in particular, should 

 give rise to substances that are out of harmony with 

 the blood plasma, and so to defensive ferments. 

 Our own experience has shown, that the serum of 

 carcinomatous patients decomposes boiled carcinoma 

 tissues, but not placenta. On the other hand, decom- 

 position of carcinoma by the serum of pregnancy was 

 never observed. According to our experience it was 

 possible to obtain an early diagnosis of carcinoma. 

 Moreover, the method may perhaps be of use for 

 controlling the therapeutic methods used in cases of 



j .1 



carcinoma, whether they be of an operative or of 

 any other character. From a fortnight to three weeks 

 after the disappearance of the carcinoma cells, the 

 ferments that are directed against cancer should also 

 disappear, if we are to judge from present experience. 

 Finally, we shall have to consider the diseases of 

 metabolism, and all such phenomena as are etiologic- 

 ally wrapped in obscurity, as, for instance, various 

 dermatoses, sympathetic ophthalmia, cS:c. Here we 



