154 THE INTERNAL SECRETIONS 1920 



We know there is nothing single in nature and con- 

 sequently we can readily understand how a tubular 

 structure, with double nerve supply, might fail to func- 

 tion properly because of a lack of balance in its in- 

 nervation. To me, the mechanism is just the same as 

 the voluntary control of joints. Our anatomy has 

 taught us that each voluntary joint has two antagonis- 

 tic muscles or groups of muscles. Our physiology has 

 taught us that each muscle is constantly in a state of 

 tone produced by its nerve supply, and, further, that if 

 the nerve supply of one group is lessened, the opposite 

 or antagonistic group is overactive, or hypertonic. Can 

 we not reason by analogy then, that if the sympathetic 

 nerve-tone to a given tube or set of tubes is below par, 

 the central nerve-tone will be above par, or vice versa ? 

 In other words, the nerve-tone of the tube is out of bal- 

 ance and consequently there is dysfunction. Accord- 

 ingly then, any dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous 

 system is in reality a disturbed balance in the activity 

 of the ductless glandular system, especially the adrenal 

 system. 



The statement has often been made that some prac- 

 titioners thrive because they have some few little things 

 they lay stress on. Is it not true that all big things in 

 life are mode up of little things? It is high time that 

 the medical profession gave more attention to these 

 little things. They may be met in your office almost 

 every day and if you are not looking for them, they are 

 missed. I know of no field in medicine that requires 

 closer attention to little things than the study of these 

 little glands. Here, close observation and minute atten- 

 tion to detail is required. The majority of diagnostic 

 sins are of omission rather than commission. This ap- 

 plies, with especial emphasis, to the elucidation of 

 minor functional disturbances of the ductless glandular 

 system. Our treatment should be directed to the duct- 

 less glands and the re-establishment of their normal 



