AbstractsBiology & Animal Science

"Investigations have shown that the iodine content of natural waters bears a direct relationship to the goiter incidence of a given region. A number of the states have analysed [sic] their water for this constituent in the development of this hypothesis. A search of the literature revealed the fact that with the exception of two instances the iodine content of Missouri water had not been determined. Since in certain regions of Missouri there is quite a prevalence of goiter, it was deemed important to determine the iodine content of Missouri waters. It was believed that such information would be a valuable contribution to the study of the goiter situation of Missouri and the possibility of affording data for the adoption of some plan whereby simple goiter could be prevented and the number of existing cases reduced. The present investigation was carried out preliminary to a goiter survey to be conducted in this state" – Introduction, p. 1.