Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1837-08-10
nv kiaU.sr.
From the Botanic .Seniinri.
THE DUTIES OF A PHYSICIAN.

"
in viewing the conduct Of u Botanic Doc
tor at the couch of fell disease. The
case in question is as follows: An ac-
quaniance Of mine, beautiful and ac-
compIished young lady, about the age
of eighteen was attacked with the con-
sSmpfion and, after suffering with the
incipient stage for length Of time, was
at last compelled to retire to bed rs her
physician had ordered her to do, in all
probability never to rise again. The at
tending physician, at The above period OF
the disease, was of the old school called
cold lights" or regular doctors. He
WAS man Of high attainments, posses
sing all The qualities which constitute a
gentleman and scholar.
On my attendance at the house OF
which the young invalid was member,
! had an opportunity OF Witnessing the
gradual decay OF one OIL whom my heart
doated. She was, previous to her at
tack Of sickness, n being Of "life and
Ioveliness," and TO have lost her so soon,
would have left space which could not
easily have been filled. While on n
visit to her, the doctor came in, and TAX
ing the hand of the lady in his, he felt
her pulse; he held her hand for some
time, circumstance which led me to
notice his conduct. lie looked at her
steadlastly for some time, and then let
fall her hand, and with il a tear, which
told iha, but few hopes of her recovery
could be expected. Upon the Doctors
retiring from the couch Of the young la
dy, l stepped up to him, and enquired of
him what he really thought OF the pa
tient? lie answered, cher days are
short; she is too pure for this world, and
ere long she will join the throng of an
gels in another and better wOrld."--
doctor, do you really think that Moth
ing can be done TO save her? | really
hope the measure of her days is moi full"
"My friend, | am sorry to inform you
that what ] have stated is too true; !
have for two long years been trying eve
ry thing that my preceptor and books
have taught me. am sorry that have
to inform you Of the fact, but do not
think she can survive many days."-
doctor, do you really decline endeav-
oring to render the poor sufferer any
better assiStancc?" "As have before
il is of no use whatever; she is
beyond the reach Of medicine; so I'll bid
you good day, friends, and hope all
for the best" So saying, he left the
house.
A friend of the family happening to
hear the dialogue between Inc and the
doctor, asked if they had really given
her over to die? They shook their heads
ns though it was but too true, and let
fall tears which etokened hearts of sad
ness
The friend, whom shall now name
Ada, inquired if they (the family were
not now at liberty (" use what medicines
they, in their wisdom, thought best to
employ. They thought that, if the doc
tor had given her up to die, no earthly
me ans could restore her TO health. Ada
informed them there was set Of doctors
in Philadelphia, termed Botanic Doc
tors, who had performed wonders in the
healing art; and had, as she had heard,
cured many that had been consigned 10
The tomb by the other class Of doctors,
but which, fortunately, by the use Of the
remedies made use OF by these Botanic
Doctors, had not reached their place OF
destination so soon as was expected
And she hoped they would give them a
trial. After some deliberation, they
thought they could but "try," and ac-
cordingly sent for one Of the men Of roots
and herbs. He CONNER need with his
and, as she increased little
in strength, he applied the vapor bath;
and by degrees there was change for
he better to be perceived, at which the
family evinced their surprise in the
strongest language Of gratitude. In a
'ew weeks the young lady could sit up
md talk to the family ,and little longer,
,he was able to walk out few PAGES, and
occasionally ride out. And, after three
DR. four months constant use Of the me-
jicines and vapor bath, prescribed by
The Botanic physician, he had restored
to health and happiness one who had
thought herself shortly to be resident
Of the "land Of spirits" But her recov-
cry is owing entirely to the strict atten-
ton paid by the Botanic Doctor. He
was there night and morning and at
MONDAY; he administered the medicines
with his own hands. He was at her bed
side at the dawn of day and at the hour
of midnight, when all except his patient
and himself were wrapt in sleep. Thinks
l to myself, what a contrast between the
two schools Of doctors-one will prescribe
and leave the patient; the prescription is
sent to an apothecary, and may in all
probability be nut up trrong. which is too