advert

advert \ad-VURT\, verb:

1. To remark or comment; refer (usually followed by to): He adverted briefly to the news of the day.
2. To turn the attention (usually followed by to): The committee adverted to the business at hand.

To understand the nature of those commotions, and the part which Baxter took in them, it will be necessary to advert to the state of religion in the country at large.
-- Richard Baxter, William Orme, The Practical Works of Richard Baxter

He had not the tact, or the art, to effect such a purpose by skillfully drawing out my sentiments or ideas through the real or apparent statement of his own, or leading the conversation by imperceptible gradations to such topics as he wished to advert to: but such gentle abruptness, and such single-minded straightforwardness, could not possibly offend me.
-- Anne Bronte, Agnes Grey

Advert comes from the Latin word advertere meaning "to pay attention."