With satisfaction I have accepted the invitation, of which I am highly appreciative, to be present on this occasion, the fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of the Section of Ophthalmology of the New York Academy of Medicine. I desire to convey to you my hearty congratulations on the work that you and your predecessors have accomplished, a distinguished contribution to the ophthalmologic activities of this country.
It has been suggested that this address should concern itself in part with the history, the early history, of ophthalmology. A few touches may not be out of place. Our ophthalmic lineage is an ancient one ; we may remind each other of some of its noteworthy incidents. This has been done before a great many times, and recently in this state I essayed a similar topic. I cannot help repeating, but shall try a slightly different approach.
It is interesting to recall the