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DYSTHYROIDISM : THE RATIONALE OF ITS 

 TREATMENT 



BY J. MARION READ, M.D., San Francisco, Calif.* 



An explanation of the notoriously unsatisfactory 

 therapeutic results obtained in hypersecretory condi- 

 tions of the thyroid is to be found in the general truth 

 that rational and effective therapy must be based upon 

 exact knowledge of the etiologic factors which produce 

 the pathologic state. Lack of this certain knowledge 

 of thyroid pathology accounts for the indefinite state 

 in which the therapy of this disease exists. 



The nomenclature used in the extensive literature of 

 this subject reflects this uncertainty. Hyperthyroid- 

 ism, thyrotoxicosis, dysthyroidism, dyscrasia, toxic ade- 

 noma, exophthalmic goitre, toxic goitre and other terms 

 are used by different authors to describe the same or 

 very similar clinical pictures. All of these terms have 

 in common the endeavor to express a disturbance of 

 function, an abnormal physiologic state, and this is, in 

 truth, as far as it is safe to go. The term "dysthyroid- 

 ism" best describes the condition and its use has the 

 advantage that it does not commit one to any particular 

 theory, especially since an open-minded attitude would 

 seem to be the best to assume in the light of our present 

 information. 



The basic factor necessary for a better understand- 

 ing of thyroid pathology is a thorough knowledge of 



* The writer of this essay received the fifth prize of $25.00. 



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