iv PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION 



the subject is necessary and, as in other phases of med- 

 icine a proper diagnosis is important. 



We are all liable to become rather confused by the 

 mass of new evidence brought forward constantly as 

 well as by the extravagant claims of certain enthusiasts. 



The French have probably as a nation been more inter- 

 ested in endocrinology than any other people and the 

 names of Claude Bernard, Brown-Sequard, Charcot and, 

 more recently, Pierre Marie and Sergent are closely related 

 to the history of this subject. 



The translator believes that the writers have condensed 

 in this volume in a clear and sober manner our present-day 

 knowledge of the endocrines without the addition of any 

 fanciful theories. Very appropriately, the study of the 

 sympathetic system has been included, as these two 

 subjects are closely connected. While at first the study 

 of the sympathetic system may seem rather tedious, the 

 reader will be amply repaid for his effort, as this subject, 

 on which so little has been written, enables us to gain a 

 better understanding of functional pathology. 



At the request of the authors this translation has 

 adhered, as far as possible, to the original French text. 

 When it seemed suitable, footnotes have been added with 

 the collaboration of Dr. Ayres. Certain recent facts have 

 been omitted as not having as yet been sufficiently con- 

 trolled by unprejudiced observers. For instance, the lack 

 of small quantities of iodine in the water or food supply as 

 the probable etiological factor in colloidal goitre, or the 

 selective action of quinine or its derivatives on the true 

 sympathetic and its clinical application in certain cases 

 of tachycardia. 



The translator wishes to express his thanks to the pub- 

 lishers who have made this American edition possible. 



F. RAOUL MASON. 



