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

retorted Athothis. " He knew not the value of a really sovereign remedy. But listen to the remarks of Doctor Rusticus to his student, and you will learn much, for mc- thinks this honest old country practitioner, judging from his keen medical discernment and prompt action, has saved the patient's life." "Never hesitate to bleed freely in such cases," re- marked Doctor Rusticus to his student. " When you find a full, hard, bounding pulse, blood-shot eyes and congested face, use your lancet promptly; it is the only true remedy in such an emergency. In performing this operation, I advise you to follow the directions laid down by Antyllus or Albucasis, for no authors have written- more clearly on this subject. Apply your inch and a half bandage tightly when you bleed from the arm, and do not use the lancet until the veins are swollen and prominent." " Look ! " said Paulus Androcydes, in evident spiritual delight. " The flush is disappearing from the patient's face, the brain is less engorged, the heart's action not so tumultuous as a few moments since. This is indeed mar- velous. Hereafter, I shall be the strong advocate of blood- letting, though modern medical scientists teach that vene- section is a dangerous remedy." " It is dangerous in unskillful hands, as is any remedy," replied Athothis. "And, because it was too often abused and misused by ignorant men, it fell into disrepute. Yet, moderns have made a mistake in wholly discarding such a remarkable curative procedure. Did not Hippocrates commend bleeding? Has not Celsus claimed it to be a specific for numerous ailments ? But, see! Doctor Rusticus is now securing the patient's arm