I esteem it the greatest honour to have been invited to deliver this Inauguration Lecture. It is not only the distinction and importance of this College and its members which make the invitation one to be proud of: I have the additional pleasure of being well acquainted with your new and distinguished President. Having worked with him on tasks closely associated with the welfare of the whole medical profession, I know from personal experience how deep is his learning, how clear his understanding and how abundant his common sense. As an outsider I would respectfully venture to congratulate the College on its choice.