it seems to me should for the present be regarded by this College, as representing the profession, with some degree of reserve, and we must hesitate to accept the statements made as to its beneficial effects until these have been far more widely and positively demonstrated and substantiated than is the case at present.
8. It may seem somewhat out of place to introduce into the Harveian Oration before the College of Physicians the subject of surgical or operative treatment in relation to the circulatory system, but I cannot pass it by altogether, as it affords a prominent illustration of the progress that has been made in modern times. I need scarcely remind you that the surgeon now-a-days is ubiquitous, and is making inroads into medical practice in every direction, so that before long it appears as if the physician must become entirely superfluous. Passing by ligature of arteries for essentially surgical purposes, which is an ancient practice, I will only refer to a few of the more modern developments of operative procedure, in cases which may be regarded as coming more or less within the scope of ordinary practice. The direct treatment of internal aneurysms by different surgical methods may be mentioned as belonging to this category. The removal of varicose veins, often on an extensive scale, is an operation of comparatively modern date, which has been attended with conspicuous success. I have known life undoubtedly saved in a grave case of a suppurating venous
