REJUVENATION CLAIM

Evening Star, Issue 20320, 31 October 1929, Page 8

REJUVENATION CLAIM

MONKEY GLANDS SUPERSEDED Twelve splendid roosters, with combs erect and wattles filled out, strutted proudly before tire International Physiological Congress assembled at Harvard Medical School, Boston. They were exhibited as evidence to prove that Dr Casimir Funk, of Paris, has discovered a new method of rejuvenation, simpler than any operation now applied, such as the transplanting of monkey glands. The new method is based upon the isolation of what l)r Funk considers one of the chief sources of male characteristics—tiie male hormone. Dr Funk’s reputation as world-wide scientist—he is the discoverer of vitamins, and it was ho who coined this term —was further enhanced by the medical men here who specialise in the problem of rejuvenation, and who describe the new treatment a:; very promising. Dr Funk has done research work for the Rockefeller Institute abroad, and the Lister Institute in London. The work which led to his latest discovery was done in collaboration with Dr Benjamin Harrow, of the College of the City of New York, with money supplied by three well-known American financiers. DOCTOR'S METHODS. The method, which applies to males only, will soon receive its first clinical test in New York. Having isolated the male hormone, which is regarded by him as the agency affected in rejuvenating operations, Dr Funk told the congress that he had prepared an extract containing this hormone, which, injected hypodermically, has the .effect of revitalising the entire system. He said it is his aim eventually to apply this extract in the form of pills or tabloids, to be taken in the ordinary manner on a physician’s prescription. The masculine hormone, which Dr Funk says he has isolated, has been the object of search by scientists for some time. He believes that old age and the loss of vitality in males arc conditioned by the quantity of these hormones present in the system. Only a week ago the roosters displayed yesterday to an admiring throng in Boston were officially described as ancient, decrepit, and senile. Their combs were wilted and their wattles shrivelled because of old age, and loss of masculinity. Today they are described as completely rejuvenated after receiving the hormone extract treatment.

Hormones are minute, ultra microscopic bodies poured into the blood stream in the internal secretion of glands. They are the means by which it is believed that the various glands are able to produce their effects on the body as a whole.