2o8 Babcock Test [Sept. 



cialism. In accord with a code of ethics now more generally recog- 

 nized than at any time, the discoverer, becaiise of his connection with 

 the State experiment Station, gave his invention freely to the world. 

 We may gladly join in acknowledging our Obligation to the man 

 whom the grate ful State of Wisconsin has presented a medal in 

 recognition of " his iinselfish dedication of these inventions to the 

 public Service." (Editorial : Journal of the American Medical As- 

 sociation, 191 2, lix, p, 544.) 



The discovery and investigation of the specific secretions of the 

 so-called ductless glands and of other organs make one of the most 

 interesting chapters in physiology. Much has been learned con- 



cerning these secretions and their röle in the 



rgano- er py j^^Q^jy These extracts, theoretically, should be of 

 great value in the treatment of diseases in which a certain gland or 

 glands are deficient or entirely lacking in function. But actual ex- 

 perience has been disappointing as a rule, for two reasons : ( i ) The 

 diagnosis of insufficiency of secretion on the part of a certain gland 

 or Organ is usually most difficult; (2) and even when a correct 

 diagnosis is made, it is rarely possible to administer the gland sub- 

 stances in such a way as to develop their specific activity. 



A notable exception to this experience is the successful use of 

 thyroid extract in thyroid insufficiency or myxedema. Suprarenal 

 substance has also proved highly use ful as a circulatory stimulant 

 and hemostatic, but not for the treatment of Addison's disease. It 

 can safely be said that the administration of gland substance from 

 the thymus, hypophysis, ovaries, pancreas, testicles, etc., for dis- 

 eases of these organs, has hitherto met with failure. Only härm 

 can come from their promiscuous use before careful experimentation 

 fully determines their value. 



A wholesome skepticism concerning the efficiency of preparations 

 of the digestive enzymes is likewise commended. After years of 

 usage many of our best clinical observers believe that pepsin, " pan- 

 creatin " and the amylases are of little or no value. The use of se- 

 cretin more recently has been similarly disappointing. The con- 

 tinued routine use of these preparations is due chiefly to the claims 

 of manufacturers. 



