This is the second edition of a work which attempts to show that movable kidney may be found very frequently if correctly sought for, and that it is the cause of a much larger number of ailments than is commonly supposed.
Suckling's position may be briefly stated as follows: If a careful and skilful examination of patients be made the right kidney can be palpated in about 6 per cent, of the males and in 40 per cent, of the females. A normal kidney can not be felt. Every palpable kidney is, therefore, a proof of a pathologic condition, and symptoms referable to this lesion may be elicited if they are sought after. Every movable kidney is not only pathologic and productive of symptoms, but is to be treated by surgery, i. e., nephropexy. Few contraindications to the operation exist, such as old age, weak heart, or advanced Bright's disease.