10 MAN AN ADAPTIVE MECHANISM 



also plays a large role in the neutralization of the acid 

 products of the transformation of energy. The muscles 

 are the engine or motor in which is consummated the 

 final step in the transformation of energy into heat or 

 motion. The thyroid by supplying a secretion which 

 facilitates the passage of ions would seem to be the 

 organ of speed control, governing the rate at which 

 the transformation of energy is effected. 



The postulation of the Kinetic System offers an ex- 

 planation of the phenomena of acute activation of the 

 organism by infection, by foreign proteins, by exertion, 

 by emotion, and by physical injury. As we have al- 

 ready stated, our experiments have demonstrated 

 that increased activation produces increased acidity 

 which in turn throws increased work upon the organs 

 by which the neutralization of acid is accomplished. 

 As our evidence has accumulated, we have come to 

 see that more of the chronic diseases result from the 

 excessive work thrown upon certain organs for the elim- 

 ination of the superabundant acid products of energy 

 transformation than result primarily from the energy 

 transformation itself. 



The Kinetic Theory offers an explanation of the fact 

 that many different diseases are apparently the outcome 

 of the same cause, and of the equally puzzling fact that 

 certain diseases may be the outcome of various causes. 

 It suggests the manner in which continuous activation 

 of the Kinetic System may cause Graves' disease, neu- 

 rasthenia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, indigestion, 

 certain forms of acidosis and Bright 's disease. 



The Kinetic Theory throws light not only upon the 

 course but upon the origin of many of the so-called 



