URUGUAY is an independent republic occupying an important position on the eastern seaboard of South America. Though it is dwarfed in size by its neighbours, Brazil and Argentina, its social, cultural and scientific development is well to the fore. The Uruguayans do not believe in revolutions, and the country's political and economic stability, among the unrest which characterises so many South American republics, shines like a good deed in a naughty world. The medical profession is highly regarded in Uruguay; and the Faculty of Medicine in the University of Montevideo—which serves the entire country—is an up-to-date, well housed and progressive institution. In former times it drew its inspiration largely from France, but nowadays it looks mainly to Britain and the U.S.A., and many lecturers from these countries visit Montevideo. Until five or six years ago, anaesthesia had no place in the medical curriculum, and standards were as low as anywhere on the European continent. Some years ago, however, one or two able practitioners in Montevideo began to devote their energies to the study and praaice of this branch of medicine. Their efforts quickly achieved recognition, and the need to further the study of anaesthesia in Uruguay and to include it in the medical curriculum soon became apparent. Accordingly, the Faculty of Medicine in the University decided to invite, from Britain,