Contribution to Venesection as a Remedy

Mr President and Gentlemen,?In response to the request of some of our ex-Presidents, I have selected the subject of Venesection. Though regarded as a bete noire or almost forbidden subject ?indeed, a questio vexata?at various periods during the last three centuries, yet as a wave in its favour seems now impending, I feel it my duty to contribute a few cases from past practice in illustration of its utility. I am the more encouraged to do this, as the example has been already set by professional men of such distinction as Dr Broadbent of St Mary's Hospital, London, the President of the last meeting of the British Medical Association in the capital of the United Kingdom; as also by His Excellency1 the philanthropic Dr Gunning of Brazil, otherwise so well known in this city for his munificent contributions to our various schools of