1892.] Proceedings of Scientific Societies. 789 
PROCEEDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES, 
Cornell Medical Society.—May 24, 1892.—Prof. B. G. Wilder 
read a paper upon the “ Appendix of the Cæcum, Its Origin and 
Destiny.” After showing how this dangerous organ is developed in 
the individual the speaker took up the subject of its development in 
the animal series, and showed that while it might possibly be present 
in the wombat it is certainly present in the lemurs, but not in the ordi- 
nary monkeys. When, however, we come to the true apes (gibbons, 
chimpanzees, orangs and gorillas) there is found an appendix far more 
dangerous than in man even. Dr. Wilder suspects that the presence 
of this dangerous appendix in the apes may be an important element 
in holding them back and enabling man with a less dangerous one to 
outstrip them in the race of life. No doubt the appendix is a rudi- 
ment or remnant of what in our remote ancestors was a useful organ. 
It is being slowly eliminated. In view of the fact, however, that so 
great a number of persons suffer or die from disease of the appendix 
(it is reported that at least one person is operated on daily for it in 
New York), and from the fact that it seems now to have no function 
except to act as a death-trap, Prof. Wilder renews the suggestion 
made several years ago that as we vaccinate to avoid small-pox, so it 
might be advisable to remove this objectionable and useless organ from 
children and thus give them a better chance to survive. It might be 
hoped also that as in the struggle for life nature seems to take advan- 
tage of useful variations, she would take the hint and leave off this 
unwelcome organ altogether. 
Many specimens were shown illustrating the points brought out. 
One of great personal interest was the appendix lately removed from 
one of the Cornell professors, the removal of which, no doubt, saved 
his life. The professor was present and added greatly to the interest 
by a discussion of the subject from the standpoint of evolution and 
personal experience. 
