[Myxedema--an early model for hormone research]

Myxoedema, later known as hypothyroidism, was first described in England in 1873. During the following years it was thought that the disease was caused by a lesion in the nervous system. However, towards the end of the century it was established that the thyroid gland produced an essential substance later known as a hormone. An efficient treatment was introduced, consisting of different forms of tissue extracts. The thyroid gland and myxoedema became a model for the development of the concept of internal secretion. Norwegian physicians were well informed about the scientific advances and quickly accepted the new principles of treatment. This article describes the first Norwegian reference to the disease and its treatment.