Surgery

"I would like to see the day when somebody would be appointed surgeon somewhere who had no hands, for the operative part is the least part of the work."

"I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share; it is time to go. I will do it elegantly."

"[Words he used to refuse heart surgery the day before he passed away.]"

"Vulnera, quae melius non tetigisse fuit."

"Surgery is the red flower that blooms among the leaves and thorns that are the rest of medicine."

"Surgery has a fascination possessed by few occupations. By its aid diseases and injury, incurable by nature alone or aided by altering the constitution of the body fluids, can be eradicated or assisted in such a way that natural processes are enabled to bring about a cure."