1894 - 95 .] Mr J. J. Douglas on Thyroid Feeding. 333 
During and after the administration of thyroid 2*08 grms. of 
nitrogen were daily excreted in the faeces, so that 13 ’9 2 grms. were 
absorbed. The daily excretion in the urine was on an average 
15’3 grms., so that there was a daily loss of D4 grms. of nitrogen 
from the tissues, ^'.e., of 8*75 grms. of proteid, or a daily loss of 
42*0 grms. of flesh, or 294 grms. during the period. 
In these calculations — 1 grin. N”. = 6'25 grms. Proteid = 30 grms. 
Flesh {Munk Ueher die Fjrndhrung, p. 1 3). 
But during this period the patient lost between 3000 and 4000 
grms,, and it would appear, therefore, that the metabolism of the 
non-nitrogenous constituents was very greatly increased, An exam- 
ination of the excretion of carbon dioxide during thyroid feeding is 
highly desirable. 
Absorption of Proteids during Thyroid Feeding. 
The average excretion of nitrogen in the faeces was — 
Before feeding P713 grms. = 10'7 grms. proteid. 
During „ 2T08 „ =13T „ „ 
After „ 1-820 „ =1P3 „ 
It would thus appear that thyroid feeding interferes with the 
absorption of the proteids of the food. 
Conclusions. 
The experiment clearly indicates — 
Isf. That thyroid feeding markedly increases the proteid meta- 
bolism in health as well as in myxoedema. 
^nd. That its action is immediate, and continues for at least two 
days after it has been stopped. 
3?y/. That the loss of weight is probably more due to waste of non- 
nitrogenous tissues as fat than to waste of nitrogenous 
tissues. 
AtJi. That the absorption of proteids is diminished while the 
thyroid is being taken. 
■ I have to thank the superintendent of the laboratory. Dr Noel 
Paton, for assistance and advice in carrying out this observation. 
