In reference to the treatment of his patient by a surgeon, this term signifies improper or unskillful treatment; it may result either from ignorance, neglect, or willfulness; but the word does not necessarily imply that the conduct of the surgeon, in his treatment of the patient, is either willfully or grossly careless. Com. v. Hackett, 2 Allen (Mass.) 142. MALUM, n. Lat. In Roman law. A mast; the mast of a ship. Dig. 50, 17, 242, pr. Held to be part of the ship. Id. MAI/UM, adj. Lat. Wrong; evil; wicked reprehensible. Malum in se. A wrong in itself; an act or case involving illegality from the very nature of the transaction, upon principles of natural, moral, and public law. Story, Ag.