PRESIDENT: I have been struggling for a number of months against the necessity to write you this note; for my doctors now advise me to give up all work for a period--my London doctor says for six months.

I have a progressive digestive trouble which does not yield to the usual treatment.

It's the war, five London winters, and the unceasing labour which is now the common lot.

I am ashamed to say that these have brought me to something near a breakdown.

I have had Sir William Osler as well as two distinguished London physicians for several months.