Page:Defensive Ferments of the Animal Organism (3rd edition).djvu/161

 indeed, it is quite likely that this is a secondary phenomenon. The fact, that in cases of eclampsia a disturbance may occur in the functions of the liver, deserves much attention. In two cases—the only two which have been investigated along these lines—a disturbance of the functions of the thyroid gland was also found.

A very useful field of research is also supplied by the tumours. Carcinoma, in particular, should give rise to substances that are out of harmony with the blood plasma, and so to defensive ferments. Our own experience has shown, that the serum of carcinomatous patients decomposes boiled carcinoma tissues, but not placenta. On the other hand, decomposition of carcinoma by the serum of pregnancy was never observed. According to our experience it was possible to obtain an early diagnosis of carcinoma. Moreover, the method may perhaps be of use for controlling the therapeutic methods used in cases of carcinoma, whether they be of an operative or of any other character. From a fortnight to three weeks after the disappearance of the carcinoma cells, the ferments that are directed against cancer should also disappear, if we are to judge from present experience.

Finally, we shall have to consider the diseases of metabolism, and all such phenomena as are etiologically wrapped in obscurity, as, for instance, various dermatoses, sympathetic ophthalmia, &c. Here we