A “Scout film” of the abdomen is one obtained without the use of a contrast medium or any preparation on the part of the patient. Such an examination is usually an emergency procedure and is often done at the bedside. That it has not received the recognition it deserves is the fault of the roentgenologist, who has not brought its value as a diagnostic aid in acute abdominal conditions to the attention of the surgeon. Upon the former it makes special demands. Used to regular hours and “Sundays off,” he is too often not available for an emergency x-ray examination. These acute cases, however, do not choose their time of entry; they are as likely to come in after hours or on a week-end as at a more convenient time. Unless the roentgenologist is prepared for emergency calls, he will not cultivate “x-ray mindedness” on the part of the surgeon. On the other hand, if he is prepared for such inconveniences as are entailed, he will be well rewarded by the satisfaction of a diagnosis well made and the knowledge tha...