The Arkansas advocate., 1832-03-28

acquainted with the parties.
 There was q shc-doctor, ,or, as she was usnaily called, q doctress, residing near iiartford, Conn. who was famous for the cure of various diseases, and especially for her success in fcbriIc complaints.- Sue had a leyer,powdcr which did won Edefs. It was q secret as she believed; and she was determined 1t should re- main so. The name of a secret remedy goes far with the people; and the she doctor obtained very considerable prae- tice.
 She happened on time to como in professional eontqet with the late Dr. Coogs#ell, of Hartford, gentleman of talents and shreweiness. She had pa tlent in fever, whom the Doctor was likewise called to sec. He inquired in- 10 her mode of treating the casc, and learned that she relied principally on her famous teyerpowders. He asked to see them. Two or three of then were brought forward, nicely done up in little bits of paper. They were of a white color; and the Doctor wetting the end of his finger and taking up small portion oi one, applied tito his tongue, and immediately aseertained what it was. lie said nothing, however, of the 1 discovery, but proceeded to question the old lacy on the nature, operation, and dose of her remedy.
 'Nllat are these powders made of? said he.
 I shouldn't like to tell answered she; -sit's q secret of my own that l never let nobody know
 Its q secret then, is itr
 Yes, Doctor, there's no mortal knows 1t but myself I'd tell # to you as quick as any body in the world but it's coa- toa,ad secret, that don't tell nobody lv- ing
 'What effect do the powers produce on the patientf
 Oh, they produce a wonderful effect. very wonderful indecd.'
 'Are they sodoritlc, rcfrigerapt, or se- dative? ,? said the doctor, making an im- posing display of technical terms.
 sOh, they aint neyther of them,' re- turned the sllc-doctor, wllo did not un- derstand his languagc--'they don't op. crate at ailin that way
 'liow do they operate then?'
 hy, they cure the fever right a. way
 'Yousrc sure of that reyou?' : s0h, yes, they're charming thing in a feyer.'
 'How many do you give for dose2
 sOnly one.'
 Well, suppose you should give twog
 1t would be dangerous. The pow ders are very powerful.'
 Wcll,supposeyou should give three?
 'Fhat would be very dangerous; the powders are so powerful
 Or suppose, proceeded the Doctor, you should give half dozen; what eff feet would they have?
 'Ohp exclaimed the old lady, lifling up her hands in deprecating manner, they would kill the patient to a sartain- tv. You can't conceive how very pow erful they are, Doctor
 'Have you any more of thcmY &
 'Yes, few more.'
 Bring me a dozen.
 "A dozen! Gracious mo! Why, Doc tor, what arc you going 10 do with q dozeng
 Be good enough to ietn,e have them, and I'll show you presently
 The dozen powders were brought, and the Doctor, calling for tumbler of water, put in the whole at once. Then cooiIy lifting tho scssc! to his mouth, he swallowed the contents at a draught. There happened to be se- verdi in the room, who were petrlhed with horror at so rash a deed. If six of the powders would kill man, why thentwelvc must despatch him to dead certainty.
 'Falth, whispered one, 'he's got dose nowr
 That he has, returned his neighbor, with shake of the head-Shc's got dose now, he'll never want another!
 In short, all, except the she-doctor, expected to see him drop dead present. ly. As for her, she only trcmbled iort the reputation of her fever powders, and, in consequence, of her own. Her fears were not groundless: for the peo- pie, perceiving the Doctor did not die, lost all faith in her skill; and from that 4;a a,. h hoe aatjca xyas r,iinnd