thrombus, by opening the vessel and clearing out the contents under strict antiseptic precautions. The application of surgical measures, simple or more or less elaborate, to accumulations of fluid in the pericardial sac, is now a well-recognised mode of practice, which has proved of great value. With regard to the heart itself, wounds of that organ have been successfully treated by suture; but this cannot happen in cases of rupture from disease. I have seen the suggestion made that in these days of marvellous accomplishments it may be possible, when there is disease of a cardiac orifice or its valves, to dilate an obstruction or provide substitutes for the damaged valves. It is not easy to imagine, however, that even the most daring and advanced surgeon can restore a heart thus broken down in its valvular mechanism.
PRACTICAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND LIMITATIONS.
It is a trite and familiar saying that truth must be sought after and esteemed for its own sake, and altogether apart from any practical benefits which it may be expected to confer. Indeed, Harvey himself insists upon the value of physiological truths, independently of their immediate utility. This is all very well in the abstract, and as a pious sentiment, with which, within due limits, no doubt we are all inclined to agree, but it certainly does not fall in with the utilitarian spirit and
