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The liver, as we shall show later in a separate chapter, also antagonizes intoxication. Another organ in close relation to the ductless glands—especially in infants—the thymus, must also be considered in the same way as the spleen as taking an important part in our protection against infections. As well known, the spleen is a foremost organ for the production of protective substances, the frequent swelling of the spleen in infectious diseases shows its co-operation in the defense of the body (see also ssss1). Respecting the thymus, it has been shown by Brieger, Kitasato, and Wassermann, that cultures of cholera bacilli lose their toxic action in extracts of the thymus.

There can be no doubt whatever, from the foregoing, that our immunity against infections and intoxications depends on the intact condition of the ductless glands, the great importance of which, as defensive organs, has been demonstrated and explained by Professor Sajous in 1902.^[86] As he says: “The overactivity of the adrenal system is the inciting factor of leucocytosis, and, therefore, of phagocytosis;” and later in the second volume: “that the adrenal system, composed of the pituitary body, the adrenals, and the thyroid apparatus, constitutes the immunizing mechanism of the body.”