neck, about half way between
the so-called "Adam's apple" and the top of the sternum or breast-bone,
where it adheres to each side of the front of the trachea, or windpipe,
in a flattened form, something like the wings of a butterfly, with a
connecting "isthmus." It is a "ductless" gland, its secretions
apparently being taken up by absorption into the lymph, and from that
into the blood.

While the functions of this little organ are not yet very clearly
understood, there is nothing more definitely known than its
tremendous importance in the bodily economy. Without it there can be no
such thing as healthy development. Thyroid deficiency in children gives
rise to a form of idiocy, bodily malformation and degeneracy known as
cretinism, while in adult life it is associated with a similar
disorder known as myxedema. Goiter is the most common disorder of the
thyroid gland; though not very serious in minor cases, it is capable
of becoming very dangerous, assuming such malignant forms as
exophthalmic goiter, which is marked by palpitation of the heart,
nervous symptoms and protrusion of the eyes.

It is thought by some authorities that the thyroid gland has to do with
the control of the excretion of the waste products from nitrogenous
foods, for it has been found that a meat diet or a high-proteid diet is
extremely harmful in disorders of this organ. It has been found that
dogs fed on meat after the thyroid gland has been removed invariably die
in a few days, but that they can be kept alive for a long time if fed
on a diet very low in proteids. It is found as a rule that those
suffering from thyroid troubles do very well on a milk diet.

Some students of the subject conclude that the function of the thyroid
gland is to destroy poisonous products formed by the decomposition
of proteid food substances. It is believed by others that it also has a
defensive action against other poisons in the body, including alcohol
and poisonous drugs. In other words, it is thought to have an
"antitoxic" action. It has also been held that this organ has much to
do with the supply of iodine in the system, being particularly
affected by the lack of iodine in the food. Again, it is said that when
the thyroid gland has degenerated there ensues a condition of auto-
intoxication, followed by a degeneration of other organs which destroy
and eliminate poisons in the blood. It is claimed that in many cases of
thy