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The Physiology of the Thymus Gland

1954; BMJ; Volume: 2; Issue: 4889 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1136/bmj.2.4889.659

0959-8138

Geoffrey Keynes,

Learning Styles and Cognitive Differences

Thomas Young, whom we are commemorating, entered on his medical career in 1793 at the age of 20 as a student at my own hospital of St. Bartholomew.He published his first scientific paper on the accommo- dating power of the eye very soon afterwards, and in the next year, 1794, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.It may be doubted whether it would now be possible for any medical student, however brilliant, to achieve an F.R.S. in his first year at hospital.The Royal Society, however, took a chance on Thomas Young, and seldom has their choice been more fully justified in the event.I need not enlarge on Young's outstanding achievements in his work on the physiology and physics of the eye.Much of his work has stood the test of time, and his teaching is current at the present day.He was, moreover, a man of extraordinary versatility, so that he became eminent as physiologist, mathematician, physicist, physician to St. George's Hospital, and, un- expectedly, Egyptologist.He was, indeed, the chief interpreter of the Rosetta Stone.He also made observa- tions on the habits of spiders.All these positive achievements contrast richly with the comparative poverty of the theme I am proposing to unfold under the aegis of Young's name.If a student were asked to-day, "What is known of the physiology of the thymus gland," he would probably return the perfectly reasonable answer, " Well, practically nothing."So it is a sort of spider's web story that I shall have to spin, full of holes and very shaky.Fortunately the term " physiology " does not compel nowadays confine- ment within a single scientific cell.No compartments are now watertight, and none will mind, I hope, if I touch on matters that are anatomical, clinical, pathological, and historical.I have even seen the term " physio-pathology " used recently in a reputable journal, and this gives me a little more confidence.The Harveian Orator for 1953 has also given en- couragement-" The advances in physiology," Dr. Graham said, " have been made not only by those who work in the physiological laboratories but also by the whole army of clinicians, chemists, biochemists, bio- logists, physicists, anatomists, pharmacologists, and pathologists who have contributed their experiences."Why did not he add " surgeons " to his list?But it is not unusual to find that surgeons are regarded merely as carpenters or plumbers, and not very intelligent ones either.Call us " craftsmen " and we shall not mind.