MYSTERY OF HUMAN GROWTH DISCUSSED IN MEDICAL ESSAYS

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 270, 13 November 1937, Page 11 (Supplement)

MYSTERY OF HUMAN GROWTH DISCUSSED IN MEDICAL ESSAYS

The professor of medicine at McGill University, Montreal, Dr. Jonathan Meakins, delivered four addresses in Sydney under the auspices of the New South Wales Post-Graduate Club in Medicine. These, together with another address, the Sir Charles Clubb Memorial oration, have been published under the title of "Medical Essays" (Angus and Robertson). In the memorial oration Dr. Meakins spoke of "Unveiling the Mystery of Growth," and pointed out that until recent times the growth of the body was believed—in so far as there was curiosity concerning it—to be dependent upon heredity. Some men, end some races, were taller than others, and—"Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit to his stature?" The time is at hand, Dr. Meakins believes, when that question may be answered in the affirmative. The more the question is studied, the more important appears to be the rate of environment —including physical activity, the character and quality of the food supply and the effects of parasites and other diseases. "The truth appears to be that, given a normal pituitary and thyroid function, with a proper supply of vitamin B, ammo-acids, ample food supply and physical exercise during the years between five and 20, the stature of a race may be increased to the optimum of Grecian perfection." This most interesting address win be enjdyed by lay readers of the book. The interest of others will be restricted to the medical profession.