I have often wondered whether my experience in surgical treatment of the nasal septum has been unique or whether in fact it parallels that of other rhinologists. It seems that my ideas on the subject have passed through several stages, the like of which I have noted in the experiences of many of the younger men under my observation, which are so distinct and vivid as to suggest that they are worthy of analysis for the sake of the lessons they may teach. When I was taking my postgraduate work in Vienna in 1914, having up to then had no actual experience in rhinologic surgery, I was led to believe that the operation on the septum was no. 2 on the list of surgical procedures to be learned, because of the frequency with which it is performed and also because it was supposed to be the easiest to master next