THE SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM 45 



Its usefulness in certain disorders of sympathetic origin 

 is also limited. However interesting might be the inter- 

 ventions attempted in the past by Jaboulay and Jennesco, 

 of resection of the cervical sympathetic in exophthalmic 

 goitre, less severe methods will probably give better 

 results. 



III. TREATMENT WITH X-RAY. 



The glandular cells are susceptible to the X-rays and 

 these can decrease their function. This is, however not, 

 without certain drawbacks and a classical case has shown 

 the etiological influence of radiotherapy, directed against 

 hypertrichosis, in producing manifestations of myxedema, 

 previously modified by thyroidien organo therapy (Acch- 

 iote). This is not an isolated case, and such facts sug- 

 gested that these rays might be usefully employed in cases 

 in which hyperf unction of certain glands was suspected. 



X-ray has been used for many years in the treatment 

 of fibroma and it was believed that its action on the 

 ovary by causing premature menopause, would modify 

 this condition. This theory has been found' to be incor- 

 rect, for we know now that radiotherapy has a direct ac- 

 tion on the fibromatous tissue. It is, nevertheless, true 

 that X-ray causes a decrease, then a cessation of the 

 periods and anatomically brings about a degeneration of 

 the Graafian follicles, while in man it will stop the evolu- 

 tion of the spermatozoa. 



The atrophic action of the X-rays has been tried on the 

 thyroid, in cases of exophthalmic goitre and very variable 

 results have been obtained. In 1911 P. Marie, Clunet 

 and Raulot-Lapointe by using large doses of very hard 

 rays, obtained remarkable results, as regards the con- 

 stancy and regularity of the evolution of the phenomena 

 observed. However, not all cases are improved and 



