Mr Ronald Raven, in his citation on the occasion of the admission of Professor Lortat-Jacob to the Honorary Fellowship, said: 'Mr President. The fellowship existing between British and French surgeons is strengthened by the presence here today of Professor Jean-Louis Lortat-Jacob to receive the highest honour of this Royal College. We are delighted that Madame Lortat-Jacob is able to attend the ceremony and we welcome her most warmly. 'The massive contributions to the art and science of surgery and the basic medical sciences have flowed in rich profusion from France throughout many centuries. The French school of surgery was founded by Lanfranc in medieval times. The golden age of French surgery, however, dawned in the 19th century, heralded by men with famous names. These include Ambroise Paré, whose collected writings have inspired surgeons for many decades, Claude Bernard, skilful operator and brilliant thinker who established the science of physiology, Guillaume Dupuytren, who created the clinical school of French surgery, and Paul Broca, who enriched our knowledge of aneurysms, tumours, and brain function. This great heritage of French surgery is now safeguarded in the hands of Professor Lortat-Jacob and his colleagues. 'He belongs to a medical family, for his father was a distinguished dermatologist, and his youngest son is a surgeon. I first met Professor Lortat-Jacob when we were invited to speak at the meeting of the International Society of Surgery held in Copenhagen in 1955, when hepatectomy was the main subject for discussion. Professor Lortat-Jacob described right hepatectomy and I dealt with left hepatectomy. This was a happy demonstration of Franco-British surgical collaboration. 'He has an international reputation firmly founded on his important work in the surgery of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, liver and diaphragm. He has described new operations for surgical conditions in these organs which have benefited many patients, and his important contributions to surgical literature are widely read. This valuable work is recognized throughout the world, attested by his membership of numerous surgical societies. Professor Lortat-Jacob has also been concerned for twenty years with the more general work and problems of the profession in France. His leadership and responsibilities are demonstrated by the important posts he fills.' Mr Raven then listed in French Professor Lortat-Jacob's posts and academic honours, to which Professor Lortat-Jacob replied in French.