I 
A FEW PRACTICAL HINTS. 
303 
Lastly, and particularly, when states are critical, put in 
force every means by which good may be effected ; do not 
withhold anything that is calculated to expedite matters to¬ 
ward a favorable issue on the score of trouble, but avoid 
everything that may tend to create bustle and confusion.— 
G. Armitage. 
When you wish to make a short visit, begin promptly to 
ask the necessary questions in orderly relation, and do not 
allow leisure to introduce foreign subjects, or to let the con¬ 
versation become desultory, or in any way digress from the 
case until you have learned all that is necessary. Have neither 
eyes nor ears for anything but your patient. If the weather is 
spoken of, answer in regard to its influence upon the patient. 
At succeeding visit ask to see the medicine. Inspect and in¬ 
quire if it has been given as directed, before you express your 
opinion as to the patient’s progress. By neglect of this you 
may be caught ascribing benefits to that which has been 
thrown out or not given, and you will be the victim of a 
never-to-be-forgotten joke. 
Especially avoid giving self-sufficient people therapeutical 
points that they can resort to and ignore the surgeon. If you 
do this they will soon imagine that they know as much about 
remedies as you do, or more of medical practice than all our 
profession combined, and begin amateur prescribing and neigh¬ 
borly doctoring. Confine your remedies to officinal medicines 
and I implore you do not add a particle to the burden of our 
already nostrum-ridden land. Resolve never to prescribe 
that which you do not know. One recommendation of “- 
Balsam,” may sell one hundred bottles where it is not indi¬ 
cated and for which you get neither credit nor compensation. 
If you fear a prescription will be renewed against your wish, 
stop short while writing and remark “ This will be a good 
remedy,” or something similar, “ but that one bottle must be all 
that is used.” 
On certain occasions any of us will feel slightly timid, but 
1 believe if we keep up with the times and work hard such 
occasions will be rare. No material change in treatment 
should be made immediately after a consultation, for see 
