Introduction to clinical surgery

Abstract

In this first meeting of the class of Clinical Surgery, the following remarks of a general character, are appropriate as an introduction. In the first place, what is the meaning of the word "Clinical"? Clinical is derived from "Klinos" which is the Greek for bed. It has come to Imply the practical application of the scientific principles of Medicine to the treatment of the individual patient, who as a rule, is in bed; hence the name. According to modern usage, however, the term clinical embraces more than bedside practice because it is applied also to practice in the consulting room and in the outpatient department.