Liston’s jealousy increased as the success of Minto House became assured. In 1830 Liston wrote in the subscription book of his rival’s hospital, “Don’t support quackery and humbug.” This led Syme to bring an action for libel against Liston, which the latter had to settle by apologising. In 1831, however, his exertions were successful in gaining the professorship of surgery at the Edinburgh College of Surgeons for his friend Lizars by a majority of one vote over Syme. In 1832, when Liston’s practical treatise “The Elements of Surgery” appeared, Syme also came forward with his more theoretical “Principles of Surgery.” In 1833 Syme took advantage of a chance which he longed for, and agreed with the retiring professor of clinical surgery in the University (Russell) to allow him £300 a year for life if he became his successor. This was after Liston had refused to come to any such arrangement. When it was carried into effect in 1833 the managers of the Infirmary felt that they must allow the new clinical professor to have wards for clinical teaching, notwithstanding Liston’s active opposition. Syme’s success as a teacher followed him to the Infirmary, and pupils crowded his wards. He was regularly present when Liston operated, but never took any part with him. Syme’s appearance often, it is said, excited the evident scorn of Liston, though no open hostilities took place. The strained condition of affairs was alleviated by the removal of Liston to London in 1835. It is satisfactory to find that the quarrel was finally healed in 1839, when Liston wrote to Syme, “Will you allow me to send you a copy of my last book? Write and tell me that you wish to have our grievances and sores not plastered up, but firmly cicatrised.” A genial correspondence followed.