THOUGHTS ON THE APPENDIX.

Abstract

For the last decade the mind of the medical world has been turned to the region of the appendix, and possibly no part of the body has been so often before the profession for attention, both medical and surgical. The professional gentleman who has not had numerous cases of appendicitis to treat has either been careless in his diagnosis and investigations, or has had a clientele that is far behind in medical fads and fancies. The increased frequency of troubles that involve the appendix either primarily or secondarily, has caused much thought and many theories in regard to its treatment both medical and surgical, conservative and radical. Many learned men of wide experience have espoused the conservative course, but possibly a greater number favor prompt surgical interference. Quite a degree of success has been attained, and many are almost entitled to be called experts in its management, and if failure