Studies in Addison's Disease

In the spring of 1920, Dr. A. L. Muirhead, professor of pharmacology, Creighton University College of Medicine, Omaha, and an early investigator of the suprarenal gland, presented himself at the Mayo Clinic for treatment of Addison's disease in an advanced stage. In conference with the doctor, careful consideration was given to the existing conditions, to the previous treatment, and to the possibilities of a regimen of forced treatment. It was agreed that he himself was to keep a detailed record of the subjective and objective results of the treatment, and he was furnished with an apparatus for the study of the blood pressure. Epinephrin was given hypodermically and by rectum three times a day, and whole gland by mouth three times a day, in doses that represented his maximal tolerance. Gratifying improvement resulted, so gratifying, indeed, that he1described his experiences under the title, "An Autograph History of a