Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-01-01
THE KNOW HOW. &"
Sacramento, November 20, 1879.

/ Some time ago an anecdote appeared in
I the RECORD U MON of a physicians servant
who explained SIS bill of his masters by
saying the doctor charged S. for his labor
and $50 for his "know how" A subscriber
signing Welcome" writing from Little
River, Mendocino county, while admitting
the right of professional men to make such
charges as they please, desires to assert his
right, also to question the propriety of charg-
ing for the "know how" and opens the door
which swings upon the rusty hinges of very
old argument-but he has his say, neverthe-
less, and thus loosely pitches into the physi
clans:
| propose to stand up in favor of the unfor-
tunate patient and thousands OF his fellow
men, who are compelled to pay so dearly for
the doctors "know how" no matter
whether it be the "know how +" to kill or
to cure. l have my opinion. l may be in
error if so, / shall be glad to have some one
who is better posted give some good reasons
why my friends, the NJ. DPS, should haye
what some of us deem exorbitant prices for
their "know how" / will cite few in
stances which have come under my personal
observation A man who Is compelled to Ia
Dor twelve hours per day in saw-mill for $50
per month to support his family, was so I'M
fortunate as to meet with an accident by
which his hand was badly cut with saw.
DIR. Somebody was called to dress the wound.
He came a distance of two miles, was one
hour performing the operation and charged
the sum of S50-S10 for the labor and sup
pose $40 for the know how" This young
doctor came from the city only few years
since with nothing but his carpet-sack and
his diplomat "kDow how" and is now the
owner Of real estate, bonds, mortgages etc.
Another very skillful physician, whose
''know how " is almost infallible, was called
to see gentleman who was very low. In
very few moments the learned doctor pro-
nounced his patient beyond all help, with
only one short week to remain with
his friends. For this information and
nothing else, his charge was only $50.
Yet, strange as it may seem, two years have
passed away and the patient Is alive to-day.
1t is needless to add further illustrations.
The experience Of hundreds who have paid
the hard-earned savings OF years to noted NJ.
DIS, ard many of whom have derived no
benefit from "know bows, will be proof suf-
fcient for my side. But the wise old darkey
saws. Nassa hab speno heap of money and
great many years to get the know how"
Does not the same argument apply equally as
well to mechanics OF all kinds? Many we
know have spent years of hard labor under
severe masters to learn their trades, and. with
many years of practice can obtain for their
labor only the going wages, from 81 to SO 30
per day. Who ever heard of carpenter
charging s. for an hours labor and $40 more
for the know how 2" And how many of us
would stand such nonsense for az. argument
in his favor! ], for one, shall always Argue
in favor of the old adage, Live and let
live." / also believe in paving well for the
"know how" of every man woman, no mat
ter what profession or trade they represent.
v,s II" onaI;Sed Il we indpe from tSa ' icy
charged by them everywhere.