Thymus Gland
Little is known as to the functions of the thymus, but it is believed to have an important relation to growth. There also seems to be some relation between the thymus and thyroid, for the former is frequently abnormal in diseases involving the latter (hyperthyroidism).
The use of thymus is purely empirical. It has been employed in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, rickets, tuberculosis, hemophilia, and infantile marasmus and atrophy; its use in the latter conditions is said to be the most promising. It is claimed on very doubtful grounds to exert a somewhat favorable effect in certain cases of cancer.—(From Reports of Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry, 1918, p. 69)
PIPERAZINE AND LYCETOL OMITTED FROM N. N. R.
Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
The following report explaining the omission from New and Nonofficial Remedies of Piperazine and Lycetol has been authorized for publication.
W. A. Puckner, Secretary.
Piperazine (diethylenediamene) and Lycetol (a methyl derivative of diethylenediamene) were accepted for New and Nonofficial Remedies in 1906. Both Piperazine and Lycetol were asserted to be efficient uric acid solvents and efficacious remedies in the treatment of gout and rheumatism. These products have been retained until now because there was no investigation which definitely showed their uselessness as uric acid solvents, though their use is generally admitted to have been disappointing.
From an exhaustive and critical study of the available evidence, Hanzlik (Jour. Lab. & Clin. Med., February, 1917) concluded that scientific evidence, though limited, and clinical opinion indicate that Piperazine is valueless in gout and that there is sufficient scientific evidence to indicate the worthlessness of Lycetol.