STERILITY AND THE ENDOCRINES 245 
Senility is not dependent on the age of tissue, but on 
the condition or nutrition of that tissue by internal 
glandular functioning. Lack of functioning is inevit- 
ably followed by atrophy, while atrophy is followed by 
death. Dysfunctioning of the endocrine system regard- 
less of age is followed by senile or presenile changes. 
In the young we find these conditions simulating 
changes that take place in late life, all due to singular 
or pluriglandular dysfunction of the internal glandular 
system. 
The internal glandular system throughout life is 
capable of rendering its specific stimuli against a cer- 
tain amount of resistance. If called upon, or taxed at 
any period of time, beyond its maximum output, fatigue 
results, with a retardation of function. Following this 
senile changes occur: a concrete example being in the 
roué whose spermatogenic function is at a minimum, 
also as shown in the neurotic individual who suddenly 
flares into tempers, only to call forth the adrenal secre- 
tion which in the end fatigues the gland, and due to a 
decrease in pressure caused by said fatigue the patient 
becomes asthenic. Again the unconscious dysfunction, 
such as decrease in the secretion from the anterior or 
posterior lobes of the pituitary, the thyroid persistance 
of the thymus, all have their effect on tissue nutrition. 
Activity of mind and body are registered on the dial 
of life in proportion to the nourishment of said tissue 
(not the age of tissue) which is dependent in great part 
by activation by the endocrines. 
ENDOCRINE ASPECTS OF DEATH 
Death in the broad meaning of the word as applied 
to the animal organism is always specific; it is due to 
lack of internal secretions to prevent their atrophy and 
death. Death is always due to cessation of vital func- 
tion, caused in each and every case by the absence of 
that factor which under normal conditions activates or 
