In general, the exertion of power; the process of operating or mode of action; an effect brought about in accordance with a definite plan. See Little Rock v. Parish, 36 Ark. 166; Fleming OU Co, v. South Penn Oil Co., 37 W. Va. 653, 17 & E. 203. In surgical practice, the term is of Indefinite import, but may be approximately defined as an act or succession of acts performed upon the body of a patient, for his relief or restoration to normal conditions, either by manipulation or the use of surgical instruments or both, as distinguished from therapeutic treatment by the administration of drugs or other remedial agencies. See Akrldge v. Noble, 114 Ga, 949, 41 S. E. 78. Criminal operation. In medical jurisprudence. An operation to procure an abortion. Miller v. Bayer, 94 Wis. 123, 68 N. W. 869. Operation of law. This term expresses the manner in which rights, and sometimes liabilities, devolve upon a person by the mere application to the particular transaction of the established rules of law, without the act or cooperation of the party himself.