THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THYROID PHYSIOLOGY IN THE CONTROL OF THYROID DISEASES

Abstract

Physiology of the Thyroid When we realize that our definite knowledge of the function of the thyroid gland dates from 1874, when Sir William Gull published his clinical pathological study, "On a Cretinoid State Supervening in Adult Life in Women," all will agree that much progress has been made during the nearly fifty years that we have followed its publication. While today we can boast that we are able to reproduce experimentally, to diagnose, and to treat myxedema successfully, and that we can with certainty prevent endemic goiter and endemic cretinism, it must still be admitted that our knowledge of the rôle of the thyroid gland in human physiology and pathology is yet in its infancy. Our lack of knowledge concerning the thyroid applies particularly to its influence on other glands of internal secretion and their influence on it. We probably possess a more detailed knowledge of the anatomy, physiology,