The thesis of this lecture is to elucidate the historical understanding and medical approaches to cleft lip (hare-lip) as presented in 1898. Francis J. Shepherd, a lecturer in the post-graduate course of 1898, delivers this discourse on the causes and treatment of hare-lip. The lecture likely draws upon the medical knowledge and surgical techniques available at the turn of the 20th century, focusing on the prevailing theories regarding the etiology of this congenital condition and the established methods for its surgical correction. It serves as a historical document reflecting the state of medical science and practice in the late Victorian era.

This lecture, delivered in 1898, represents a historical snapshot of medical understanding and surgical practice concerning cleft lip. Its value lies in documenting the knowledge and techniques of the era, offering insights into the evolution of craniofacial surgery. The authority perspective would view it as a foundational text, illustrating the progression from early interventions to modern treatments. It provides a crucial reference point for understanding the historical trajectory of medical science in addressing congenital anomalies.