Abstract
In previous papers the author described the influence of hypophysectomy and of treatment with hypophyseal gonadotrophin on the follicular apparatus in rats and mice. The curves based on the number of follicles of various size showed some common features, whether the animals had been hypophysectomized or treated with various gonadotrophins. They conformed to a definite type with asymptotic approach to the abscissa axis, but with certain constantly-recurring deviations from the ideal shape. These curves are analyzed in the present paper, and it is concluded that the shape of the curve became comprehensible, assuming that the volume of the follicle increases[long dash]at least before cavity-formation sets in[long dash]by a nearly constant percentage in each unit of time. Temporary changes in the rate of follicular growth might explain the deviations observed.