To be approaching one's centenary mark and still be productive in medicine is in itself a notable achievement. There are not many centenarians extant in medicine or out. George Day suggests that continuing activity and enjoying as well as participating in life are associated with surviving one hundred years, if not indeed major contributing causes. But the distinction of mere survival and continued activity is not enough. We must remember that Parkes Weber has published more than ten papers for every year of his life and more than a score of books. He has achieved distinction as a collector鈥攂e it of rare diseases, of unusual syndromes, of coins, or of the art forms comprising memorabilia of death. In this small book on medical teleology are reprinted a number of short essays from "Some Thoughts of a Doctor," which was published nearly thirty years ago, and some new notes and essays.