The object of the following paper is to put at rest a question which has been long agitated in Surgical Pathology, and which is intimately connected with some important points of Practical Surgery. An apology may seem due to the Society for bringing under its consideration a subject, which, though not exclusively professional, is still little studied except by those physiologists whose views are directed to surgery; but as the inquiry into which I propose to enter is neither long nor tedious, while it is quite intelligible without any previous knowledge of its details, I trust the patience of the members will not be exhausted; and if the question shall, as I hope, be decided to the conviction of those members who are conversant with surgical discussions, the prevailing diversity of sentiment relative to the point at issue will be more effectually composed than if I attempted to combat it through any other channel.