My uncle, Mr. Stephen Maple, had been at the same time the most successful and the least respectable of our family, so that we hardly knew whether to take credit for his wealth or to feel ashamed of his position.

In the year 1878 I took my degree of Doctor of Medicine of the University of London, and proceeded to Netley to go through the course prescribed for surgeons in the army. Having completed my studies there, I was duly attached to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers as Assistant Surgeon.

The good Watson had at that time deserted me for a wife, the only selfish action I can recall in our association. I was alone.

An absence of antecedents and of relatives is sometimes an aid rather than an impediment to social advancement . . .

Before turning to those moral and mental aspects of the matter which present the greatest difficulties, let the inquirer begin by mastering more elementary problems.

…but it is better to learn wisdom late than never to learn it at all.

We have much to hope from the flowers.