The funny side of physic, or, The mysteries of medicine, presenting the humorous and serious sides of medical practice. An exposé of medical humbugs, quacks, and charlatans in all ages and all countries / by A. D. Crabtre, M. D.

  • Crabtre, Addison Darre.
Date:
1874
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The funny side of physic, or, The mysteries of medicine, presenting the humorous and serious sides of medical practice. An exposé of medical humbugs, quacks, and charlatans in all ages and all countries / by A. D. Crabtre, M. D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    'her physician.' His office was on Chambers Street, left side, a few doors from Cambridge Street, Boston. The doc- tor was an elderly, pompous individual, who wore gold spectacles, an immense fob chain, and chewed Burgundy pitch. Let this suffice for his description. Poor man ! for if his own theology is true, he has gone where Burgundy pitch will be very likely to melt. Excuse this passing trib- ute to his memory, my dear reader. Notwithstanding my friend's lavish praise of her doctor, the first sight of him failed to inspire me with confidence. I was introduced, and the doctor swelled up with his own im- portance, and said, impressively, — Those physicians — amiable men, no doubt — who have treated your case-ah have been all wrong in their diagnosis- ah. This was his prelude, as he counted my pulse by a large gold watch, which he held conspicuously before me. Your kind friend and benefactress has saved your life-ah, by conducting you to me before too late-ah. He stopped to watch the effect of this bid for a high fee before pro- ceeding. Ah, sir, had you but come to me first-ah, you would now be rejoicing in perfect health-ah; whereas you have nar- rowly escaped death and eternal torments-ah. He again took breath, looking very solemn. But, sir, I never heard of you before this lady wrote to me, I said. True-ah. I do not advertise myself. The veriest quack may advertise-ah. Your case is very dangerous. Hepatitis, cum nephritis-ah he soliloquized, shaking his head very wisely, while my friend nodded, as if to say, There ! I told you so. He knows all about it. Yes, very dangerous-ah. But take my medicines; my pills — hepatica-lobus, and my neuropathicum-ah, and they will restore you to health and happiness-ah, in a few weeks- ah ; and he rubbed his palms complacently, as if in antici- pation of a good fat fee for his prescription.