428 DR. YELLOLY ON THE TENDENCY TO CALCULOUS DISEASES. 
Larrey states, that in the course of 30 years, only 5 operations of lithotomy 
have been performed at the Gros Caillou, (4 of which were on soldiers, and one 
on a soldier’s child,) and one operation at the Val de Grace. M. Gama states, 
that during 6 years that he has been surgeon-in-chief of the military hospital 
of Val de Grace, and 8 previously, that he exercised the same functions in the 
military hospital at Strasbourgh, he has not once had occasion to perform 
the operation of lithotomy. He mentions likewise, that the disease is very 
rare in the army generally ; and that no case of stone operation has occurred 
to him, during any part of his extensive military service. — It is very probable, 
however, that as the circumstances which concern health can be more parti- 
cularly guarded in the naval service, than the military, according to the 
very judicious observations of Sir James Macgrigor upon this subject, there 
may be, upon the whole, a less liability to disease in the former, than in the 
latter. 
Before closing my observations, I cannot forbear expressing my regret, that 
since the introduction of lithotrity by M. Civiale, as a succedaneum for the 
operation of lithotomy, the beneficial effects of that practice do not seem to 
have been completely established in this country ; though it has been recom- 
mended by the singular dexterity, and the conciliating deportment, of the 
Baron Heurteloup and Mr. Costello. It is highly to the credit of our prin- 
cipal metropolitan surgeons, that all of them with whom I have conversed on 
the subject, are anxious that this plan of removing a calculus should have a 
fair trial ; and I trust that in a matter in which the interests of humanity are 
so intimately concerned, such attention may be speedily given to the subject, 
by those who are qualified to direct public opinion, as may lead to a proper 
appreciation of the merits of the practice, the circumstances under which it 
may be best exercised, and the mode by which the manual dexterity which it 
requires, may be most readily obtained. 
Carrow Abbey, near Norwich , 
June 1G, 1830. 
