In searching for an appropriate topic for the Presidential Address, a subject that has powerfully occupied my mind from the moment of my selection as president-elect 2 years ago, I have considered and rejected a variety of the usual themes — mentors; societal, surgical, and educational issues; and economic, malpractice, and philosophical considerations — for a variety of reasons but mostly owing to intellectual inadequacy. Many members of this society are much more qualified to discuss any of these subjects in greater detail, and it would be presumptuous of me even to attempt to address them, so I shall confine my remarks to that which I know.