Behavior of the Thyroid toward Elements of the Seventh Periodic Group. I. Halogens and Thiocyanates.

Summary 1. Thyroid filters preferentially and accumulates thiocyanates as well as all the elements of the seventh periodic group that have been studied, viz., Cl, Br, I, Mn, At. 2. All halides and thiocyanates when administered in relatively large amounts compared with iodine wash inorganic iodide from the body and prevent new supplies of iodine from being received by the thyroid, thus producing thyroid hyperplasia and goiter. It is suggested that these ions exert, at least in part, a mass action-like effect. 3. It is further suggested that similarity in arrangement of electrons in the outer shell of the elements of the seventh periodic group enables the thyroid to differentiate between them and other elements.