It is a great privilege to have for review almost a half century of activity in any field of human endeavor. One of a previous professional generation may be forgiven if he views with amazement and awe his temerity in having attempted to undertake the responsibilities that he had to assume with an armamentarium so primitive when compared with that at his command today. As one who has been a part of those years of matchless professional progress and scientific accomplishments (even though in such a minor role as has your chairman), I wish to present some thoughts for consideration with the hope that they may have something of constructive value to commend them. Years of experience with a passion for the detailed clinical observation of each patient as an individual entity will of necessity develop a physician's diagnostic acumen, his ideas and opinions and the accuracy of his considered