smouldering fuse which might light up another explosion under any stress
in future.

Further, as the attention of the post-mortem investigators at our large
hospitals was directed to the subject, it was found that a very
considerable percentage of all bodies, ranging from twenty to--according
to some estimates--as high as sixty per cent, showed changes in the
appendix and its neighborhood which were believed to be due to old
inflammations; so that, while it is possible to speak only with great
caution and reserve, the balance of opinion among clinicians and
pathologists of wide experience and the more conservative surgeons
appears to be that from one-half to two-thirds of all cases of
appendicitis will recover of themselves, in the sense of subsiding more
or less permanently, without causing death.

On the other hand, it must be remembered that the appendix is an organ
which, so far as any evidence has been adduced, is entirely without
useful function; that it is in process of shriveling and disappearance,
if left entirely alone, and that the best result which can be expected
from a self-cured attack of appendicitis is the destruction of the
appendix and its elimination as a further possible cause of mischief. By
avoiding an operation in appendicitis, we may be practically certain
that we save nothing that is worth saving--except the fee. Moreover,
even though only from one-fourth to one-third of all cases develop
serious complications, you never can be quite sure in which division
your particular case will fall.

The situation is in fact a little bit like one related in the
experience of Edison, the inventor. The trustees of a church in a
neighboring town had just completed a beautiful new church building with
a high spire, projecting far above any other building in the town. When
it was nearing completion, the question arose, should they put on a
lightning-rod. The great church itself had strained their financial
resources, and one party in the board were of the opinion that they
should avoid this unnecessary expense, supporting their economic
attitude by the argument that, to put on a lightning-rod, would argue a
lack of trust in Providence. Finally, after much debate, it was decided,
as the great electrician was readily accessible, to submit the question
to him. Mr. Edison listened gravely to the arguments presented, pro and
con.

"What is the height of the building, gentlemen?"

The number of feet was given.