126 The Unity of the Organism 



importance." 15 This statement, coupled with the fact that 

 one of the main objects of the discussion is to display the 

 many contradictions which the author's large experience as 

 a practitioner has found in the action of the internal se- 

 cretions, is about the most striking, and from our stand- 

 point most significant thing about this paper. 



As one illustration of the agreement of action of the se- 

 cretions, or at least of the influence of the endocrine glands, 

 it is pointed out that changes in calcium metabolism have 

 been observed after removal of the thymus ; in disease of the 

 pituitary and of the pineal bodies ; after castration ; after 

 ovariotomy; after removal of the suprarenals, and after re- 

 moval of the thyroids and parathyroids. 



Of the numerous instances of contradiction which he 

 brings out, we mention only that concerning tetany. This 

 he shows may result from either removal of the thyroid or 

 from an overdose of thyroid extract. The explanation of 

 the contradictions in the action of a given secretion favored 

 by the author is that of the "varying influence of the other 

 internal secretions." But the descriptions given seem to 

 leave no doubt that difference in type of individuals also 

 comes into the explanation. Thus among children afflicted 

 with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, the two distinct types 

 dependent upon the character of the symptoms, is a case in 

 point. One type is dull and stupid, stunted in growth, has 

 dry coarse skin, and may display symptoms of rickets. The 

 other type is vivacious physically and mentally, given to 

 peevishness, irritability and quick fatigue, and always want- 

 ing a change of activity. This type is over-tall for its age, 

 perspires readily and is fine-skinned. Both types of cases 

 are benefited at least for a time, Waller says, by treatment 

 with thyroid extract. 



Concerning the general nature of the interdependence 

 among internal secretions, this author's views seem to me so 

 eminently sound that I cannot refrain from quoting them in 



