"So firmly impressed was Mr. Abernethy with the certainty of ultimate success, that, nothing daunted by the unfortunate issue of his two first cases, he persevered, and at length successfully secured the external iliac artery. His steps have been followed by a host, till at length it needed but such a case as mine to add the finishing touch to his well-earned fame. In doing justice to the merits of such men, we act but the part of prudence; since, if we do not, indignant posterity will. "Paisley, January, 1826." The following is Abernethy's reply to a communication from Mr. Tait on the subject, and couched in a tone, just in relation to Mr. Hunter, modest and characteristic as regards himself. "TO DAVID TAIT, ESQ. "SURGEON, PAISLEY. "Dear Sir, "I have read your interesting case in the 'Edinburgh Journal,' but have no comments to offer. I have therefore only to thank you for the honourable mention you have made of me. The progress of science has given us reason to confide in the anastomosing[72] channels for carrying on the circulation. The only question necessary to be decided was—would _large_ arteries heal when tied? Every case confirmed that point, and therefore there was little merit in perseverance. Nevertheless, I feel grateful for your good opinion, and with congratulation and best wishes, "I am, dear sir, "Yours very sincerely, "JOHN ABERNETHY." "Bedford Row, July 14." (Post mark 1826.) The following portion of a note, necessarily mutilated by the suppression of professional matter, we copy as a written evidence of his not _in any way_ appearing to alter or add to a treatment which he approved. It is written to a highly esteemed member of our profession, Mr. Beaman, of King Street, Covent Garden. Mr. Beaman had sent a patient alone to Mr. Abernethy, who, having seen him, gave him the following note: "My dear Sir, "The patient says"—here the symptoms referring to the point to be investigated are stated—"and if this be true, I have no wish * * * * nor can I suggest better treatment than that which you have adopted. "Yours very sincerely, "JOHN ABERNETHY." (No date, post mark 1825.) The following letter to Mr. Wood, of Rochdale, reiterates his opinion on a very important disease, contraction of the gullet or œsophagus, and conveys a practical truth, which, if we may judge from the cases published in the periodicals, is just as necessary as ever. We allude to the too officious use of instruments in this affection, a lesson of Abernethy's, of the practical excellence of which Mr. Wood had convinced himself by his own experience, as we ourselves have on many occasions. "My dear Sir, "I think as you do with regard to the difficulty of swallowing. It seems likely to be the effect of irritability of the stomach; and if so, the _passing of instruments, however soft and well-directed they may be_, is not likely to be beneficial.