12 MAN AN ADAPTIVE MECHANISM 



tives in peritonitis (the Alonzo Clark treatment) and in 

 diabetes and arteriosclerosis has long been known. It 

 is equally well known that the Kinetic System may 

 be conserved in Graves' disease by depression of the 

 thyroid link through ligation of the arteries or excision 

 of a portion of the gland. We shall attempt to show 

 that, in like manner, certain other chronic diseases 

 which are temporarily improved by morphia may, 

 like Graves' disease, be permanently improved by a 

 surgical modification of the Kinetic System. 



As we have stated, emotional activation activation 

 by worry and fear particularly is as potent in caus- 

 ing excessive transformation of energy and an exces- 

 sive production of acid by-products with consequent 

 physical impairment as are any other kinetic stimuli. 

 It is obvious, therefore, that the absence of worry 

 and fear may aid in stopping the body-wide activations 

 which lead to an organic breakdown. The therapeutic 

 value of rest, of change of scene, of diversion, and the 

 restorative powers of happiness and success and con- 

 genial surroundings are thus explained in terms of 

 approximate physical value. 



The significance of the principle of energy conserva- 

 tion to many phases of life is no less impressive. If 

 the effect upon physiological processes of faith in the 

 remedial agent is of itself far-reaching, to what extent 

 might not the conservation of energy accomplished as 

 a result of education and training, of a larger knowledge 

 of natural laws and true values in life, aid in the attain- 

 ment of a happier adaptation to environment. 



It is particularly in the domain of preventive medi- 

 cine, however, that the application of the mechanistic 



