196 



Journal, Before referred to, and in the April number of the Western 

 Lancet, by Dr. Lawson. 



Your Committee have endeavoured, in the preceding Bketch of 

 the history of anaesthetic agents, to bring before the Association the 

 prominenl facts which have transpired ; and to embody the results 

 of the experience of the surgeons of the country who were known to 

 them to have practiced etherization extensively. 



They have, as far as practicable, avoided the discussion of theo- 

 retical questions, or the expression of positive opinions relative to 

 the merits of this discovery. On this latter point, their views are 

 not accordant; while a portion of the committee believe that the 

 facts now before the profession have fully established etherization as 

 a powerful, highly useful, and practicable means of* annulling pain. 

 if judiciously employed; yet another portion do not feel prepared, 

 from the evidence presented, to recommend the use of these agents. 



Your committee have had their attention directed to the import- 

 ant subject of the curability of cancer, and to the results of opera- 

 tions upon this class of tumours. 



They have received interesting letters from a number of gentlemen 

 experienced in this matter, but owing to the press of other business, 

 they have not been able to place this information before the Asso- 

 ciation in a matured form. And they, therefore, place these letters 

 in possession of the Association, for the benefit of their successors. 

 All which is respectfully submitted. 



GEO. W. NORRIS, Philadelphia, 

 ISAAC PARRISII, do. 



JOHN WATSON, New Yorh h 

 A. L. PEIRSON, Salem, Mass., 

 HUGH II. McGUIRE, Winchester, Va. 



