GLANDS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



In answering the second question first, we may 

 point ont that the number of experiments dealing 

 with induced hyper-secretion of the interstitial 

 gland is limited. Those of Brown-Sequard on the 

 injection of testicular extracts have already been 

 described, and we know that his experiments left 

 much to be desired. There are, however, individ- 

 uals that have been known to suffer from an ex- 

 cessive secretion. As might be anticipated, this 

 occurs, if at all, at a very early age. Such cases 

 go under the name of pubertas precox, to indicate 

 early sexual maturity. They are often associated 

 with tumor growths. 



One of the most interesting examples of hyper- 

 secretion is that given by Sacchi. A boy had de- 

 veloped quite normally until he was five and a half 

 years old. From that time on until he was nine 

 and a half the .boy changed remarkably. His voice 

 deepened, hair grew on his face, and when he had 

 reached the age of nine and a half years he actually 

 had a black beard. An examination of his left testi- 

 cle revealed a tumor growth. This was removed. 

 The child became quite normal again. 



Another .example is that of a girl of seven, who 

 had already -menstruated a number of times, and 

 who had well-developed breasts and pubic hair. A 

 tumor of the ovary was removed, and the girl grew 

 up into normal womanhood. 



