All operators have found some inconvenience in the use of the forceps to hold sutures as they are introduced in abdominal wounds. A great many forceps are necessary if each suture is to be held at each end by a separate forceps. Much time is consumed in clamping and reclamping the forceps, on the part of the operator and his assistant. I have devised an instrument which may be used for all linear incisions when the sutures are introduced before they are tied. The above illustration represents the two suture holders, A and B, in operation. C and D represent the angles of incision, and the sutures are shown as they pass out of the skin to the loops on the plates. Each instrument consists of a plate of steel about four inches long, three-fourths of an inch wide, and one-eighth of an inch thick. Upon this plate are soldered