Synthesized answer
If the "demonstration" of these ferments has "diagnostic significance for testing the functions of different organs," a physician in 1914 might use this information by obtaining a patient's blood serum and adding various organ tissues to it. If the serum decomposes a particular organ tissue, it would suggest abnormal activity of the cells in that organ [2]. This is because the physician would infer that substances, not yet harmonious with the plasma, have been passed out from the organ's cells, exhibiting characteristic features of those cells [2].
The underlying reasoning would be that the presence of specific ferments in the blood-serum, capable of decomposing organ-specific substrates, indicates a deviation from normal physiological function [2, 4]. For instance, if the serum decomposed thyroid gland tissue, it might indicate issues with the thyroid gland's functions [3]. The passages do not provide specific examples of how this would be applied to diagnose tuberculosis, but suggest it could be a significant field of study for infectious diseases [1]. The method could also potentially be used to monitor therapeutic effectiveness, as the disappearance of ferments after…
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From the book
s signs of dys-function, that another then follows suit, and so on. We shall also be able to make therapeutical studies. If a therapeutical measure should result in the disappearance of the defensive ferments, the therapy would have to be estimated otherwise than if this were not the case. A large field of study is presented by all cases of degeneration, such as muscular and nervous degenerations, as well as by processes which result in the formation of decaying products of every kind, such as putrefaction of tissues, or absorption of exudates, of extravasations of blood, or of thrombi, &c.…
us components of the plasma only appear in minute quantities, we are not in a position to seek them out by direct means. We have, therefore, to hit upon indirect means, and to find out whether a particular blood serum has ferments at its disposal, which are able to decompose the substrate peculiar to a particular organ. In a certain sense we give the serum a definite question to answer, when we add all kinds of organs to it, and observe which, or how many, of them are decomposed by it. If we find a decomposition, then we infer a somewhat abnormal activity of the cells of the corresponding…
e of the functions of the thyroid gland was also found. A very useful field of research is also supplied by the tumours. Carcinoma, in particular, should give rise to substances that are out of harmony with the blood plasma, and so to defensive ferments. Our own experience has shown, that the serum of carcinomatous patients decomposes boiled carcinoma tissues, but not placenta. On the other hand, decomposition of carcinoma by the serum of pregnancy was never observed. According to our experience it was possible to obtain an early diagnosis of carcinoma. Moreover, the method may perhaps be of…
f specific ferments in the blood-serum; that is to say, by the use of the optical method and of the dialysation process. In view of the possibility of the practical application, in medicine, of these new methods of research, for the purpose of making differential diagnoses and of testing the functions of organs in various diseases, they have been taken up by many members of the medical profession. They were first employed by the gynæcologist; but there is now hardly any branch of medicine left in which the application of these new methods has not been attempted, and in the course of time…
← Defensive Ferments of the Animal Organism, Section II Defensive Ferments of the Animal Organism ( 1914 ) by Emil Abderhalden , translated by J. O. Gavronsky and W. F. Lanchester Defensive Ferments of the Animal Organism, Section IV → Emil Abderhalden 3944606 Defensive Ferments of the Animal Organism 1914 J. O. Gavronsky and W. F. Lanchester If these views are correct, it should be possible to trace such substances as are in harmony with the body, but not with the blood and its plasma, by looking for definite ferments. It is quite conceivable that, in certain diseases, the cells only…
More questions about this book
- How would you explain the core concept of "defensive ferments of the animal organism against substances out of harmony with the body" to a layperson, simplifying the terminology and providing a clear, intuitive understanding?
- The text mentions both a "Dialysation Process" and an "Optical Method." What does the inclusion of these distinct methodologies suggest about the challenges of studying "defensive ferments," and why might multiple approaches be necessary for robust scientific investigation?
- The Appendix lists Abderhalden's research on topics like blood volume, optical rotation of plasma, and anaphylaxis. How do these seemingly disparate research areas likely connect to and further investigate the central theme of "defensive ferments" and their role in the animal organism?
- Considering the publication date of 1914, what foundational questions about the body's internal defenses or immunity does the title "Defensive Ferments of the Animal Organism" imply were being addressed, and what broader scientific context might this work have contributed to?