In no other set of conditions is a proper balance between medical, surgical and physical methods of treatment more essential than in diseases of the peripheral circulatory systems. Rational therapy must be based first of all on a thorough understanding of their anatomy and physiology, both normal and morbid; secondly, on accurate methods of evaluation, and, finally, on a thorough knowledge of all methods of treatment and of judgment and discrimination in their application. One of the least satisfactory aspects is the status of tests and measurements. The most useful seem to be the simple clinical methods of inspection, palpation and auscultation. New and better ones are urgently needed.
An attempt is made in this presentation to emphasize the most widely held views of authorities in the field of vascular disease. Perhaps the best, although not very recent, review of the subject is that of Allen and Kvale.1 Van