146 



Euge7ie Rollin Corsoji 



This is another gloomy side to the picture. In the present 

 state of the world there is no denying the fact that the poor 

 cannot command the attention which the rich and the well-to- 

 do can. However willing the physician may be to care for 

 the sick poor the unsatisfactory conditions and surroundings in 

 which they live, conditions which he is not able himself either 

 by advice or more tangible means to remedy, must detract from 

 his interest in the case. Called to a patient in poverty and 

 dirt he feels that before his services can avail, before he makes 

 his diagnosis, prescribes, and gives his directions, the patient 

 needs a clean bed and a warm room, pure air and suitable 

 nourishment and attention, and directions properly carried out. 

 These all failing he feels utterly helpless to treat the case. He 

 can but make his diagnosis and prescribe, and go away. 



Furthermore, there is apt to be among the masses of the 

 colored an indifference, real or apparent only, on the part 

 of the patient and family which must add to the physi- 

 cian's indifference and must be a damper to help from 

 outside. You see it in the patient and you see it in the 

 family, and even in the mother for her child. You are called 

 to a sick negro and he will hardly turn over in bed to face you 

 and answer you, and seems quite indifferent whether he 

 answers your questions or not, and you may go away without 

 knowing the real cause of your being sent for. This happens 

 so often that you soon come to look upon it as a racial charac- 

 teristic. This explains how often you meet neglected cases, 

 cases of ugly wounds and ulcers, whose very loathsomeness 

 and discomfort, not to say real pain, you imagine would com- 

 pel them to seek advice and treatment. You see this in ven- 



