Litchfield enquirer., 1832-05-10
spor11Ne A DocroR's PRACTICE.

Genesee Farmer. sPo1L1NG DocToR's PRACTICE. There is no profession the success of which depends so much on mere opinion, taken up without foundation and adhered to without reason, as the practice of med- icine. The following anecdote, though relating to she-doctor, is none the less il- lus,rative of the truth of what we have ad- vanced; and, if the reader please, may be taken as a case in point. It is told by a physician of this city. who vas we'll ac- quainted with the parties.
 There was she.doctor, as she was usu- ally called a doctress, residing near Hart ford, Conn. who was famous for the cure of various diseases, and especially for her suc- cess in febrile complaints, She had a fe- l ver-powder which did wonders. It was a secret, as she believed and she was de- termined it should remain so. The name of secret remedy goes far with people i; and the she-doctor obtained very consider able practice. She happened on time to come in professional contact with the late Dr. Cogswell of Hartford, gentleman of talents and shrewdness. She had patient in fever, whom the Doctor was likewise called to see. He inquired into her mode of treating the case, and learned that she relied principally on famous fever-powders. He asked to see them. Two or three Of them were brought forward nicely done up in little bits of paper. They were ofa white color; and the Doctor, wetting the lend ofhis finger and taking up small por- ton of one, applied to his tongue immedi- ately, ascertained what it was. He said nothing, however, of the discovery, but proceeded to question the old lady on the nature, operation and dose of her remedy. 'What are these made of3' said he. { Il shouldn't like to tell, answered she ; It's secret of my own that never le'
 nobody know
 . its secret then, is it2' 'Yes, Doctor, there's no mortal knows ; it but myself. I'd tell it 10 you as quicl as any body in the world; but it's con found secret, that don't tell to nobod. . living
 , What effect do the powders produce ol the pa.ient7' .Oh, they produce wonderful effect
 very wonderful indeed.' ATC bUSy SuuOtsuCS VI S"' dative r said the Doctor, making an i'm posing display of technical terms.
 'Oh. they aint neyther ofthem,' return ed the she-doctor, who did not understand his language they don's operate at all ir that way
 How do they operate then2'
 'Why, they cure the fever right away.
 You're sure of that, are yon2'
 'Oh, yes, they're charming thing, in fe
 ver.'
 How many do you give for dose''
 'Only one.' .'Well suppose you should give two7 !, It would Dc dangerous. The powder are very powerful.'
 Well suppose you should give three!' ) 'That would Dc very dangerous tn powders are so powerful Or suppose, proceeded the Doctor } you should give half dozen what effec would they Eave7'
 'Oh!' exclaimed the old lady, lifting uI
 her hands in deprecating manner,' the, would kill the patient, to sartainty. Yot can't conceive show very powerful they are, Doctor.
 Have you got, lady, more ofthem'' 'l Yes, few more.'
 Bring me dozen.'
 T A dozen! Gracious me Why Doctor what are you going to do with dozen' \ Be good enough to le. me have them snd I'll show you presently < !. The dozen powders were brought. \ The Doctor. calling for a tumbler of wa ter, put in the whole at once. Then cool ly lifting tho vessel to his mouth. he swal- lowed the contents at a draught. There
 happened to be several persons in the
 room, who were petri6ed wi.hhorror at SC
 rasi, deed. Ifsix of the powders would .fkill man, why then twelve must despatch N lhim to dead certainty. TI 'Faith.' whispered one. she's got dose now !'' 'That he has, returned his neigh bor, with shake of the head --he's gor . dose now. he'll never want anoiher!'
 In short all, except the she-doctOr, ex- pccted to see him drop down dead pres- ently. As. for her, ,tDho only trembled for | the reputation of her fever powdersand in