Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1850-09-07
From the Model American Courier.
The HyPOchOndriac; or, Presenc
OF Mind Illustrated,

teSSlonal man.
A young Spaniard, of wealthy and res
pectable family of Cape Verde, arrived in Paris
a few months since, accompanied by his mo
ther The moment they had descended from
their post chaise they acquired the address o
the celebrated DR.. Orfla; having ascertained
it, they proceed directly to his house, and
were fortunate enough to find him at home.
Doctor said the young man, our ances
tors were, / believe, compatriots; and it is
however, your European reputation that has
/ attracted us hither, and that induced US tc
take so long voyage in order to consult you
The Doctor, whilst listening to the son, di
rected his attention to the mother, whose sun
ken eye and pallid features bespoke intense
suffering.
Itis doubtless for Madame
Fortunately, no. interrupted the young
Spaniard, it is for me-
The mother suppressed sigh and furtively
wiped away tear with her pocket andker-
chief
'Ah. for you % said the DOCTOR in tone ol
astonishment, for the young man seemed to be
in the enjoyment of perfect health, Let's see,
sir, give me the details of your malady. am
all attention.
The mother gazed earnestly at the doctor,
who now endeavored to do SO in the same way
that man of quick sagacity would set about
solving some unforeseen enigma
Doctor said the son, you see before you
the most miserable being on earth. am af-
fliected with three in6rmities which debar
me from the enjoyment of those pleasures to
which my age and my fortune entitle me
these in6rmities cause me to trembie in the
presence of a woman, and to shun the society
Of my own sex; my pride as Spaniard and
a gentleman being in my continual apprehen-
sion of some affront, either in love or friend
ship. l prefer living in solitude, yet this iso-
lation is killing me. Judge, doctor, of my po-
sition.
Doctor Orfla bent forward his head, and ex-
tended his arms, as if awaiting some further
explanation ere be could answer
The mother crossed her hands and raised
her eyes to heaven in the attitude of prayer.
Here is my infrmity continued the young
Spaniard, placing mis- foretinger on his nose
this have been told may be easily cured by
new operation. recently invented by Paris
practitioner, and l am ready to submit to any
thing
The doctor look at the young mans nose;
might serve as a study for an artist.
Truly said the doctor, so conspicuous a
deformity must render you very unhappy
'Oh! doctor it disgusts me with life ITSELF
1t is enough to do SO, indeed, said the doc
tor
your nose struck me the moment you en-
tered the room-'
You see DOCTOR that am right!'
Certainly, sir. What pity thought |, that
the eountenance of that young man should be
disfgured by so unnatural deformty.'
That's what evey one thinks, doctor!''
Let US come now to the other infrmites,
said the doctor, with inimitable sang froid
Examine my checks and my chin, doctor p
4 have examined them
what do you see.?'
Nothing
Precisely so, doctor. Nothing!-uo beard! !
NOT even the slightest down! Noindication
of my sex! If 1 wished to marry, what man
would give me his daughtert'
No man, you are right, sir.
Doctor, have employed for the second in
trinity remedy which friend had prescri-
bed for me: shave twice day with the best
English razor.
Not at all, doctor ...t
'Astonishing!'
you see, mother, said the young man, tur-
ming to the lady, that the doctor does me full
justice, and does not treat me as mad man,
like my uncle and cousin .za
Your uncle and cousin must themselves
be mad said the doctor AS soon as you
entered, exclaimed to myself-what fine
young man, and what i pdty he has not a
handsome beard, such as is worn by dandies
of the present day? But let us pass to the
third infrmity., ,e.s ~. ta-.s..5
You have not already observed it, doctor q
'Wby-yes-I thought discovered
certain '7t Fqsf 7
"A certain what?' dps
"A something exceedinly shocking in
In my carriage. There is striking defect
there ...E...
so well there may be- 1 halt frightfully
my left foot is four inches shorter than my
right .l
'Oh, that is evident at first sight said the
doctor. What pity thought |, that as
handsome young man as you should be
lame'
you understand me, doctor, that with
these three infirmities life is intolerable to me.
'Intolerable indeed it must be-
1t is for this came to you,' said the young
man, crossing his hands devoutedly, as if be.
fore some holy image, 'to you god of the med
ical art, to implore of you life. 1 am told
that you are in possession of secrets SO won,
derful that they cure what has hitherto been
considered incurable Take pity on my con.
dition Make me live the life of other men,
and all my fortune is at your service
The poor mother shook her head in despair
and wept.
Sir said the doctor, Il have been so fortu
nate as to cure even greater infrmities thar
yours If l find you submissive and coura
geous patient, L
Oh interrupted the Spaniard, cut my
flesh as ifit were marble. l shall not utter {
complaint. not - single sigh shall esape me-
we shall proceed then to the operation
The mother opened her eyes, and gazed
steadily at Doctor Orfila, who said to her
Madame you may stay-make your mind
| easy, I shall spare YOU maternal tenderness as