OSSEOUS DEVELOPMENT AS AN INDEX OF METABOLIC SPEED WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE MENTALLY SUBNORMAL AND EMOTIONALLY UNSTABLE CHILD*

Abstract

Three siblings and one other child (age 4-10 yrs.), studied over 2 yrs., showed retarded carpal development. Two of the siblings received thyroid and gained rapidly in carpal age and mental development. The third sibling, on high vitamin A and D diet without thyroid, was retarded in relationship of carpal age to chronological age. The other child, after 5 yrs. of high calorie and cod liver oil without gain, gained with thyroid. Bone age is an index of metabolic speed in childhood; a well-balanced diet and high vitamin A and D diet without thyroid do not increase metabolic speed; thyroid properly administered increases it; carpal development aids in selection of cases suited to this treatment.