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This is a clever address which the author delivered before the Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania. Without professing to go deep into scientific questions, he discusses here many minor superstitions and errors which cling about surgical practice, much in the spirit of the immortal author of "Don't." It is doubtless true that in the routine of minor surgery more absurd and antique delusions are still in vogue than in most modern specialties. It is also true that some good physicians, who do only occasionally any surgical work, are the most hide-bound in their prejudices, and need a thorough shaking up before they will let go old notions and adapt their surgery to the present day. This little volume is both suggestive and profitable to all who look over its pages.