Whereas John Hunter (1728-93) the anatomist, zoologist, physiologist, pathologist and museum collector receives unceasing eulogy, his work as a practising surgeon is curiously neglected. As far as can be determined, there are no studies devoted to his instruments and operative technique before a personal investigation in 1991, perhaps for the good reason that these would prove inconclusive. Nevertheless, the writer believes sufficient evidence is available to justify further communication.