Athothis : a satire on modern medicine / by Thomas C. Minor.

of the narrow-minded specialists of this age. In ancient Egypt we exposed our patients in the market-places and other public resorts, in order that any wise passer-by might examine the case, and express an opinion; but only one doctor treated the disease." " That was rank quackery ! " cried Paulus Androcydes, indignantly. " For certainly no definite diagnosis could be made when the number of consultants was so enor- mous. And it is certain that the sick must have died then, even as now, from errors in diagnosis, and therefore maltreatment." " Greece and Rome practiced empiricism," remarked Athothis, laughingly. " The Romans once survived six hundred years without a recognized faculty or medical school; while such distinguished citizens as Cato, for ex- ample, practiced medicine without a diploma. Slaves were taught how to prescribe by their masters, and be- came very expert in applying remedies. Cabbage was a famous medicinal agent in those days, and is said to have cured more persons than it killed. These ancient peo- ples discovered that aloes and colocynth were purgatives. There were likewise wise lawyers who formulated rules and regulations on sanitation; there were engineers who fully appreciated the value of an uncontaminated water supply and good drainage, and constructed aqueducts and well-ventilated sewers never equaled by moderns ; there were epicures who were also philanthropists, and instructed the people in the real art of cookery; there were—" " Hold! " exclaimed Paulus Androcydes. " Yet, peo- ple died ?" " True," answered Athothis, " men and women died then, as now. Yet, withal, medicine was more honored