CORRELATION OF INTERNAL SECRETIONS 107 



dual functions the onus of ensuring the reproduction The functions 

 of the species by furnishing the ova, and by keeping 

 active the rest of the genital structures and functions. 

 And, further, the secretions of the ovary are probably 

 concerned in keeping the other members of the hormono- 

 poietic system in touch with the necessities of the repro- 

 ductive situation; that is to say, the influence of the 

 ovarian secretions on the metabolism may produce 

 effects in regard to the activities of other organs of 

 internal secretion. This last function, if so it can be 

 termed, is of the deepest importance, and is one which 

 explains much that would otherwise be obscure. 



Strictly speaking, then, the ovary is concerned in 

 the temporary function of reproducing the species, and, 

 by its hormones or internal secretions, of bending the 

 metabolism of the body to this purpose. Any influence 

 the ovary may have over the general metabolism is, 

 therefore, related to and dependent on its primary re- 

 productive functions. I do not believe that this organ 

 influences the metabolism except in so far as this special 

 function is concerned. Of course, removal of the ovaries 

 may produce a temporary general disturbance, but this 

 does not invalidate the view just mentioned. 



On the other hand, the rest of the hormonopoietic The genital 

 system is related to the genital functions in various ways, 



First, some of the members the thyroid, pituitary, genital organs 



J J of internal 



and suprarenals influence the development and subse- secretion. 

 quently preserve the integrity and activity of the 

 genitalia, as I have already demonstrated ; while 

 others the pineal and possibly the thymus appear to 

 prevent sexual precocity. Second, all the hormonopoietic 

 organs, acting in harmony, control the metabolism in 

 response to the necessities of the genital functions ; 

 but, in addition, they adapt the whole organism to the 

 possibility of the situation, and regulate the secondary 

 characteristics, both physical and psychical, to suit the 

 needs of the individual. Once, however, the repro- 

 ductive organs are removed or undergo atrophy, the 

 genital functions of the rest of the internal secretory 



