THE SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM 101 



are found nearly always in women with a small goitre 

 which has not been detected. 



From a clinical point of view, syphilis of the thyroid 

 causes either a myxedema or Basedow's disease or a goitre 

 simulating a cancer. 



Certain cases of conjugal or familial Basedow's disease 

 are due to syphilis (Schulman). It, therefore, plays an 

 important part in the etiology of exophthalmic goitre. 



Mercurial or arsenical treatment can be employed 

 indifferently. Iodides must be used with caution, although 

 some of these cases will be greatly benefited by it. 



Estimation of the Basal Metabolism can be used as an index of the activity of 

 the Thyroid. 



A Subnormal Basal Metabolism indicating Hypothyroidism, while an increase 

 is evidence of overactivity of the gland. 



