As I have for many years been an advocate of conservatism in dealing with otitis media, acute as well as chronic, it was with pleasure that I accepted the invitation extended me to say something on this occasion regarding "The conservative treatment of chronic suppuration of the middle-ear." Still, I fear I shall not have much to add to what I have said heretofore on this subject.
No one will deny that a chronic suppurative process of the middle-ear, because of the dangerous complications to which it may give rise, is a matter of serious concern, and that the condition should not be permitted to continue indefinitely all will admit. The only point on which there can be a difference of opinion is as to the remedial measures that should be employed for its control.
The prevailing tendency of the day in dealing with this condition, it seems to me,