Before attempting to describe my conception of the principles underlying successful treatment in cases of ulcers due to varicose veins and lymphatic blockage, it is imperative to define more specifically the exact condition to be considered. Perhaps this can be done best by briefly mentioning the diseases to which I do not refer. It is not the small ulcer frequently found associated with varicose veins that has existed for only a short time, though such ulcers usually require more extensive operations than those commonly employed. It is certainly not the "trophic" ulcer, though sometimes, in these cases, a differential diagnosis is difficult and uncertain. It is not the syphilitic ulcer, although it is well to remember that patients with "leg ulcers" can have positive reactions to the Wassermann and Kahn tests and yet the ulcers apparently not be connected with syphilis. In such cases, of course, no operation should be