Surgery is an art whose development and application results from a combination of original concepts and supportive technology in a receptive society. History reveals that various procedures have been discovered, rediscovered, and popularized by surgeons at different times in all parts of the World. The editors of these volumes felt that it would be interesting for general surgeons (a disappearing breed) to have sampling of classical procedures of both an historical and contemporary nature personally described by their originators or advocates. These volumes will provide a glimpse of the technical achievements of general surgery which may have reached its zenith in the mid twentieth century, an acquaintance with some of its master surgeons, and a stimulus for international awareness and fellowship.