RETURN OF YOUTH

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 27 February 1925, Page 3

RETURN OF YOUTH

ONLY A DREAM. “NO CONSTANT INFLUENCE,.” FROM MONKEY G LAND GRAFTS. “No .constant beneficial influence upon tuberculosis nor upon the mental or muscular weakness found in the senile was observed.” That- is the decision arrived at by the Medical Research Council, and contained in their annual report issued last month, as the result of studies and

experiments based on ihe fact that “numerous recorded observations suggest a beneficial influence of extracts of the glands in the treatment of old :ge and of same infectious diseases, espacilaly tuberculosis.” Does this finding mean the end ol another dream of perpetual youth?

It may he assumed that the researches had their origin in the theories and discoveries associated with ‘monkey glands.” though no such, specific reference is made in the report. The treatment was conducted at five leading hospitals and infirmaries, and the conclusion quoted above was arrived at. HERR STEIN A OH’S CLAIM.

It was iii 1920 that Herr Eugen Steinnch. Professor of Biology at Vienna University, announced his discovery that a certain gland could he so treated as to have a rejuvenating effect on both, human beings and animals.

While his theories were being investigated all over the world, a new sensation was sprung. This was what came to he known as Ihe “monkey gland” grafting method of rejuvenating the aged and prolongingl life adopted bv Dr. Sergo Yorodnoff. as Director of the Physiological Laboratory of the College* of France, who has a very large, 'number of operations on subjects, whose ages range from 22 to 77. including six physicians, one eminent statesman, and a famous literary man. GOOD NEWS.

But even if the return be. hut a dream, there is good news in the report. The apparent interchangeability of light and of vitamin action was, it is stated, o|ieiiing new chapters alike in theoretical, physiology and preventive medicine which was of the first interest and importance. “All these studies. still in active progress, have given new hopes, -of Which some are already realised, of a widespread diminution of disease and of a great future improvement in the health, stature and beauty of the people of this country.”

Of great interest in the account of experiments undertaken was the observation that oliye oil. which had been exposed to sunlight until bleached, killed tubercle bacilli more speedily than olive oil which had not been so exposed. The experiments are being continued.