Being kindly invited to open the proceedings of the Section on Surgery and Anatomy of this large assemblage of my American colleagues, I am fully impressed with the high honor thereby conferred on me. This honor is accepted by me with sincere appreciation as an evidence of the great hospitality which distinguishes this country above all others and of which I have had ample proof during my present sojourn, and as a proof as well of the close bond existing between American and German science. An introductory address may primarily be expected to include an extended review of the various branches of surgery, together with an account of the changes and advances which have brought this branch of medicine to its present high standard. A retrospect of this kind can not fail to afford many striking facts and pleasant memories, particularly to those of us who are now more advanced