one whose occupation it is to shave or trim beards. In former times the barber's craft was dignified with the title of a profession, being conjoined with the art of surgery. In France the barber-surgeons were separated from the perruquiers, and incorporated as a distinct body in the reign of Louis XIV. In England the barbers and surgeons were not separated till the 18th of Geo. II. The functions of the barber-surgeon comprised the cure of wounds, simple surgical operations, and blood-letting, together with shaving; and the cutting and dressing of hair, technically termed trimming. The barber's shop in those days was a favourite resort of idle persons; and in addition to its attraction as a focus of news, a lute, viol, or some such musical instrument, was always kept for the entertainment of waiting customers. The barber's sign consisted of a striped pole, from which was suspended a basin, symbols the use of which is still preserved. The fillet round the pole indicated the ribbon for bandaging the arm in bleeding, and the basin the vessel to receive the blood. The setting of fractured limbs was confined to a distinct class of persons called bone-setters.