254 PHYSIC 



physeal cavities became contiguous, if not histologically 

 continuous or dovetailed into one another, and which, on 

 their common encapsulation, was succeeded by a permanent 

 system of drainage directly into the pharyngeal cavity 

 through the ante-natal or early central and post-natal lateral 

 sphenoidal foramina, uvula, and tonsils ; thus, in the 

 embryo, physical contiguity if not continuity of texture > 

 intra-spatial continuity of cavities and oneness of function, 

 lay the foundation of an intimate after-life physical and 

 functional relationship a relationship which, to our mind > 

 will be found to explain many of those ever-recurring 

 sequences of pathological events or groups of morbid 

 processes, which constitute such a large item in the daily 

 work of observation and the more ordinary experience 

 of every practitioner of the healing art. And so such 

 expressions as a " simple cold," an "ordinary sore throat," 

 and other kindred popular ailments of the region in 

 question, will take their place amongst the definite scientific 

 titles and morbid entities known to modern medicine. 

 Concerning the functional role of the pituitary body, we 

 become more and more convinced of the truth of our 

 contention that the earlier anatomists were right in their 

 conclusion regarding it, namely, that in structure it is a 

 true gland. Being a true gland, therefore, we further 

 contend that it both secretes and excretes. In the per- 

 formance of the latter function, it excretes, as above 

 mentioned, into the chain of hollow inter-spaces, and 

 through them into the cavity of the pharynx, thus securing 

 a continuous series of passages for the direct conveyance 

 of the ventricular sweepings of cerebral debris from the 

 third ventricular cavity into the usually patent and freely 

 washed throat and oesophageal passage, the saliva suspend- 

 ing or dissolving and voluntary or involuntary deglutition 

 conveying it into the stomach ; any interference, conse- 

 quently, with the performance of this function is soon and 

 duly felt. In connection with this subject of the disposal 

 of the excretion of the pituitary gland, we would remark 

 that a common tipping-ground, so to speak, is provided 

 for the surplus or residual secretions of the mouth, nasal 

 passages, with their communicating air-spaces, the Eus- 

 tachian tubes, and the parts in question the upper surface 



