INTBODUCTION 43 



ular syndromes should receive the most careful study in life and, if death 

 supervene, painstaking post-mortem investigation. To elucidate this type 

 of disease, however, the conventional autopsy is practically useless. Par- 

 ticular attention should, of course, be given to the various endocrin glands. 

 The tissues should be fixed as soon as possible after death and later studied 

 in section after appropriate staining, with particular attention to mito- 

 chondria and other evidences of secretory activity. The weight of the 

 glands in relation to each other and to the body weight should be deter- 

 mined, as should the weights of the various gland components. Hammar 

 (1920) has developed the methodology of this typo of research and has 

 emphasized the great need for extensive studies along these lines. Diffi- 

 cult as is this type of investigation, it offers promise of solving some of 

 the most baffling problems now confronting the clinical endocrinologist. 



Conclusion 



From the data of the foregoing discussion it appears that research 

 in the field of endocrin biology is beset with difficulties on all sides. In 

 many investigations of the past the difficulties have been unappreciated 

 or ignored. In a field in which a rigidly critical attitude is indispensable, 

 careless credulity has been much in evidence. This is possibly an explana- 

 tion of the fact that despite an immense amount of patient labor relatively 

 few facts of fundamental importance are firmly established. None of the 

 experimental methods applicable to this field of investigation is free from 

 defects. The development of our knowledge has been correspondingly 

 delayed. It is only by the use of all available procedures, checking one 

 against another, that we may hope ultimately to acquire an understanding 

 of the significance of hormone factors, either physiologic or pathologic, 

 in the animal economy. Slow as this method necessarily is, nothing is 

 likely to be gained by premature theorizing, however brilliant. In the 

 past this has perhaps afforded some aid, but certainly has contributed 

 much confusion. It is not likely to be more efficacious in the future. 

 It may not be ungracious to conclude, in the words of Elliott, that in 

 endocrinology as in other fields, "Medicine owes no thanks to him who, 

 without proof, would formulate her theories." 



