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

their generous Governments now pension such true scientists. But, tell me, my mortal friend, why Finkler and Pryer, who found a comma bacillus in diarrhoea, are not likewise rewarded." " Their bacilli were lemon-shaped," answered Paulus Androcydes, testily. " From which remark I infer that the form of the germ has much to do with the nature of the disease," remarked Athothis, meekly. "Yet, I would respectfully inquire, are not cholera subjects found, in which the dis- ease germs are absent ?" " There are exceptions to all rules," said Paulus An- drocydes, in a tone of disdain. " Was not the cholera bacillus found in Egypt different from that found in India?" queried Athothis, in evident amusement. " I am not on the witness stand?" cried Paulus Andro- cydes, in a fury. " 'T is useless to discuss the subject of the germ theory further. Look ! Doctor Slasher has inserted a tube in the child's throat, and the operation is over. Observe the marked improvement in the patient's respiration. She no longer gasps for air; but, with a sweet smile on her innocent baby face, slumbers peace- fully." "And will never wake again in her present habita- tion," added Athothis, bitterly ; " for, observe, the little one's brain is engorged and congested. She has been overpowered by the anaesthetic. The lungs are slowly expanding and contracting, while the poor baby heart is fluttering. If Doctors Soother and Rusticus had .had charge of this case, this lamb would never have been slaughtered. As it is, these scientific butchers will fill a once happy household with sorrow, and break a mother's