CLINICAL CALORIMETRY

Abstract

In the period of development of boys, the years immediately preceding puberty are of especial interest. By this time the figure has lost most of its childish characteristics and the mind has reached a point of great intelligence. Although the individual has scarcely passed the half-way mark in the years of growth, and has only attained half his future weight, yet he resembles the adult much more than he resembles the infant. At this stage the sex glands have not yet begun the rapid development of puberty with its profound effect on the whole organism. Curiously enough there is a sudden increase in the rate of growth which takes place at this time. In fact, we may consider boys in the period of prepubescence as individuals of adult form but of small size, growing rapidly, and as yet scarcely influenced by the internal secretions of the sex glands.