The Effects of Traumatism on the Nervous System

Abstract

IN expressing my deep indebtedness to the Council of the Society for the opportunity of introducing this discussion, let me assure you that I deem it no small honour to be entrusted with the task. My anxiety to learn, rather than any idea that I could teach you anything with which you were not already familiar, allowed me to accept the kind invitation which I received. My paper is based, in the main, on actual cases that have come under my own observation, some of which have required me to give evidence in court. You will scarcely be surprised to hear that my opinion has often been in conflict with the opinions of other medical witnesses in some of these cases. Under the circumstances I am especially anxious to evoke from members of this Society authoritative opinions on some questions that have cost me much thought, and on which I am only too anxious to have proved to me that I have been wrong in the views I have held, if this is the case. Here at least we may hope that we shall escape the imputation that our opinions have been biassed by a party spirit or any such considerations. Criticism from members of the legal profession will be especially welcome to me, and I hope that I have framed the remarks that are to follow in a way that