John Hunter (1728-1793) was a Scottish surgeon regarded as one of the most distinguished scientists and surgeons of his day. An early advocate of careful observation and scientific method in medicine, Hunter's most notable surgical advance was in treating aneurysms. The Hunterian Society, an organization of doctors and dentists of London, was named in his honour. This treatise is his most important work, a compound of physiology, pathology, and surgery. The book marked a great advance in knowledge and for many years stimulated the progress of surgery. The introduction is by Sir Everard Home, Hunter's brother-in-law and pupil.