My object in undertaking the investigation, of which the result forms the latter part of this little volume, was to shew what is actually known respecting “Addison’s Disease;” in order, if possible, to dispel those doubts regarding the reality of its existence which are still entertained by many members of the profession. I may, perhaps, venture to express the hope that no one, who impartially considers the evidence set forth in that paper, can any longer hesitate to recognize a definite relation between a certain train of morbid phenomena, and a particular form of disease of the Supra-Renal Capsules. If this truth be once fully recognized, it will then be no longer necessary to go on accumulating evidence in support of the reality of Dr. Addison’s discovery; but future enquiries, starting from the basis of what is already known, may rather be directed towards the elucidation of the true nature and causes of Addison’s disease. Towards this further object I have endeavoured also, in however small a degree, to contribute, by suggestions arising out of my own clinical observation and confirmed, as it appears to me, in some measure, by the evidence I have collected.
A paper, of the character of that communicated to the Pathological Society, being necessarily founded so largely on cases recorded by other observers, I resolved, so soon as the Council had decided on its publication in the Transactions, to reprint it, in order that I might have the opportunity of sending copies to as many of the Reporters of cases quoted as might not be members of the Society. It was after-