Report and commentary on six cases of Hodgkin's disease

Abstract

While compiling this thesis I have been unpleasantly reminded of the ancient maxim that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. I have laid myself open to the criticism that the medical student should confine himself to his text books and leave things which do not immediately concern him in more capable hands. However, from this lengthy commentary the following facts have emerged. (I) The multinucleated giant cell has been shewn to absorb vital dye, thereby forming a fresh link between the reticulo endothelial system and Hodgkin's disease. (II) A classification of the giant cell into three types has been attempted. (III) It is probable that the later stages of the disease are accompanied by a rise in the bilirubin content of the blood. This is due to disturbance of the reticulo endothelial system and offers a possible explanation for the pruritus sometimes associated with the disease. If any of these facts are of use to those who are studying Hodgkin's disease, I shall fee] that this voyage from the port of systematic surgery upon the uncharted seas of experiment has not been in vain.