Читать книгу Old Age Deferred. The causes of old age and its postponement by hygienic and therapeutic measures онлайн

134 страница из 141

In men gall-stone disease may often be considered a manifestation of old age. It appears, as a rule, after the fortieth year, and is often brought about by previous infectious diseases. In such cases obesity often develops first, and later gall-stone disease. For those who are interested in this subject we would refer to our communication^[137] on the origin of gall-stone disease following changes in certain ductless glands. Considerable, sometimes enormous, loss of weight is a very frequent symptom of gall-stone disease, and is probably due to pancreatic alterations.

Gall-stone disease may be regarded as of great importance in estimating an individual’s prospects of longevity, and at the same time as a pathological manifestation of an inactive thyroid, or deficient sexual glands in women. This applies equally well to the cause of renal colic, gravel, which was found by Professor Sajous to be prevented by thyroid preparations and a suitable diet.

Constipation, an important predisposing cause, has been shown to be an expression of such conditions. The truth of these assertions is proved by experimental evidence.