some difficult words; yet when his attention was directed to any particular sound, and the defective word distinctly pronounced by another, and the position of the tongue, lips, &c. shown, his utterance was perfectly distinct, and free from any obvious peculiarity.

Notwithstanding the difficulties in this case were greater than may be anticipated in the management of any similar instance, (for I have candidly stated the unforeseen inconveniences experienced, and the defects resulting therefrom, that they may be obviated by future operators); yet the patient, far from regretting that the operations had been performed, is so satisfied with the benefit which has resulted, that he has expressed— "I am so far convinced of this, that was I now in the same situation as when I first saw you, nothing should hinder another trial."

In conclusion, it may not be unuseful to remark, that the principles and mode of treatment adopted in the preceding case, are not confined merely to that deficiency or division of the palate existing at the time of birth, which has been termed congenital; but are equally applicable to many of those unfortunate instances in which patients have suffered the loss of a portion of the soft palate through disease.

EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE.

FIGURE I.

The mouth is represented widely extended, with the head inclined backwards, that the roof of the mouth may be seen.

A. A. The lips.

B. The tongue, pressed downwards.

C. C. Edges of the divided palate.

D. D. The divided and separated portions of the uvula.

E. F. The cleft of the palate exposing,

E. the posterior part of the nostrils;

F. the surface of the pharynx.

FIGURE II.

G. G. Section of the palate.

H. The needle, forming the segment of a smaller circle than the arch of the mouth.

I. The dotted lines show the impracticability of using a needle with a large curvature.

BRIEF MEMOIR

ON

THE PROFESSIONAL CHARACTER

OF

WILLIAM RICHARD MOREL,

LATE ONE OF THE SURGEONS TO THE WESTMINSTER HOSPITAL.

WILLIAM RICHARD MOREL was born in London, March 11, 1761. His father was a dignified clergyman of the collegiate church at Westminster, and the family were descended in a direct line from William Morel, the distinguished author of the Greek and Latin Dictionary.

The subject of this Memoir was educated at Westminster public school, where he became an excellent Latinist and Grecian: while the same studies imbued his youthful mind with those noble, elegant sentiments, and high morals, which form the rudiments of a gentleman*. His family and friends

At the age of fourteen he was bound apprentice to Mr. Fox, apothecary, in Sackville Street, Piccadilly; but a very short time served to convince him that pharmacy was not suited to his taste and talents. His mind early showed a predilection for surgery: all his leisure hours were employed in drawing anatomical figures, and in reading the best authors connected with that profession.