The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-09-23
THE GOLDBERGIAN AGE OF
 MEDICINE

THE GOLDBERGIAN AGE OF
 MEDICINE
 According to the author of a textbook on Basal Metabolism in Health and Disease (published by by Lea & Febiger, '36) the basal metabolism by itself should be con sidered merely as one piece of evidence and never the final an- swer." The same author, Eugene F Du Bois, M. D., sagely observes, in a special article on Calories in Medical Practice. published in the Jour. AM.A. Aug. 8, '42, that "One book on metabolism ends with this sentence: God forbid that we make our diagnoses by machinery"
 With extraordinary candor, con- sidering the medium in which he writes, Dr. Du Bois goes on to say that.
 Ut must be admitted that the basal metabolism tests are seldom Of great value except in the diag- nosis and treatment of diseases of the thyroid gland. The vast ma jority of basal metabolism tests, like the vast majority of roent- genograms (X-ray pictures), show normal conditions. Tests are necessary to avoid missing cases which present suggestive histories but which do not show the usual clinical signs (that is, signs or symptoms of either hyperthyroid- ism, overactivity of thyroid gland function, or hypothyroidism, un- deractivity or insufficient thyroid gland function). Basal metaboliSm tests and other laboratory tests are probably overdone. but it is doubtful whether this can be rem- edied."
 One way to remedy the evil, says Or Doc Brady, tactlessly, would be to teach the laity the truth about the Goldbergian age of Medicine the substitution of impressive me- chinery and gadgetry for the lost art of diagnosis.
 In his special article published in the Jour. AM.A. Dr. Du Bois makes it clear that with the ma chine measurement of basal metab- olism rate there is an unavoidable margin of error amounting to at least 5 to 10 per cent. ?
 Careful measurement of the body temperature with a clinical thermo- meter certified to to accuracy, first thing each morning, is at least as dependable an index of basil me- tabolic rate as the Goldbergian monkeyshine which impresses the Wiseacres so much. If the body temperature is below 98 degrees F. basal metabolism is minus or too slow, and more food. more exercise, more clothing. more excitement or stimulation or more thyroid extract is indicated. If the body tempera- ture is above 99 degrees F. basal metabolism is plus or too fast and less food, less exercise. les clothing or bed covers. less emotional excite ment or stimulation or less thyroid extract is indicated.
 QUESTICsis and ANSWERS
 The old Doctor Doesn't Like It
 Our doctor does not think inc jection treatments would help (hemorrholds) when two operations haven't. but admits he does not believe in injection treatment and wouldn't try it in any case G. M)
 Answer-send a stamped envelope bearing your address and I'll reconi- mend . physician who can relieve the suffering of the pile patient with few injection tFeatments--as safe. iy, with less discomfort and incon- vefiience, and co perman0tly as the finest surgery can possibly do.
 nanAFnR
 Ny huhband and I both had ( great deal of dandrun. We had the smooth cream or poinAae made uT A6 directed ln your pamphlet, nsee it for q month, ahampooing onef week, and the dandfug hAs dis. appeared. You have heiped t,s eev. aFal tIgaee. Wo are sfnteful for Ton| fne, practical adylcs' fA6sA ". A,l