Diagram showing the various types of the abnormal bands in Dupuytren’s contraction. The position of the initial lesions over the heads of the metacarpal bones and opposite the flexion lines is indicated by the black spots. 1. Thenar band; 2. Axial band extending to distal joint; 3. Axial band giving off lateral branches to adjoining fingers; 4. Axial band bifurcating to send branches to sides of finger; 5. “Interosseous” band bifurcating to join two adjacent digits; 6. Hypothenar band; 7. Band more developed at distal than at proximal extremity, and leading to contraction of first or second inter-phalangeal joint, the metacarpo-phalangeal joint remaining free.] Two interesting points to be especially noted in reviewing the series were—first, the tendency to multiplicity of the initial lesions; and, secondly, the close coincidence of their position with that of the heads of the metacarpal bones. In no case did the disease commence in the finger itself. These facts probably have a bearing upon etiology. In only one instance was there any association with a corresponding disease of the sole. The inconveniences resulting from the affection are less urgent than might have been expected, partly because the flexion power remains, partly because there is no pain, and partly because the contraction seldom attains an aggravated form until an age when æsthetic considerations are of minor importance and the more active period of working life is drawing to a close. In some extreme cases, however, the nail of the contracted finger may press against the palm, and cause ulceration, and in one instance brought under my notice by a friend the deformity was nearly the cause of a fatal accident, the bent finger becoming hooked in the handle of a moving railway carriage in such a manner that it could not be disengaged. The patient saved himself by seizing a pillar, while the traction force tore asunder the diseased fibrous bands and set the straightened finger free. It is needless to say that the benefit of the impromptu operation was limited to the immediate service rendered.