202 THE INTERNAL SECRETIONS—1920 
velous. His eyes brightened, his countenance became 
animated, his mentation was accelerated, and he took 
on a temporary vigor that was phenomenal, but as fleet- 
ing as a drink of whiskey. The sex glands immediately 
became the subject of the keenest investigation, and it 
was found that they have the greatest degree of auton- 
omy. There is virtually no dependence whatever upon 
the central nervous system; for it was found that ani- 
mals may conceive, and give birth to their young and 
suckle them, with their spinal cords severed. The ova- 
ries may be removed from the pelvis, and tucked away 
in the axilla, without arresting menstruation, save for 
a month or two. The effect of the sexual glands on the 
body development and other glands of internal secre- 
tion is marvelous. For centuries it has been known 
that the castration of an animal increased its fat, and 
this operation has been employed by animal breeders 
for commercial purposes. 
The influence of the sex glands is stimulating to the 
thyroid, and when this stimulus is removed, the les- 
sened activity of the thyroid lowers oxidation and fat 
accumulates in the tissues. It is for this reason that 
many individuals take on flesh from 45 to 50. It is an 
indication of what has been termed “‘hypogonadism,” 
—the testicles or ovaries are degenerating. 
In the treatment of obesity, which can safely and 
surely be remedied by the administration of thyroid ex- 
tract, the effectiveness of this medication is greatly 
enhanced by the addition of an extract of the corre- 
sponding sex gland. On the other hand, the pituitary 
(anterior) has a stimulating effect on the testicles; 
for when the greater part of this gland is removed, the 
testicles atrophy in a very short time.t Hence, in all 
conditions, where an increased action of the testicle is 
desired, combine pituitary with your spermin medica- 
tion, and you will increase the effectiveness of your 
treatment. 
