The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-10-20
GLARS RUSSIAN DOCTOR.
An Eccentric Man-His Extraordinary
Ways I'm a Sick Room.
New York

~" OAN Jul
DR.. Zacharin. who has been treating the
Car, is known as one of the most impolite
men-to use no stronger expression-in his
profession. He is a fierce democrat and has
respect for no one. Like Professor Schwen-
niger, the physician of Bismarck, he insists
upon the literal execution OF his orders. it
will brook no interference. He Is a man
of middle age and began life as a butcher
10Y. He has become one of the richest men
in Russia by his practice.
When the malady of the Gar began to
look serious a few weeks ago, the Emperor
at once asked that Zacharin be sent for. A
telegram was dispatched to the Governor of
Moscow, says one of the imperial attendants
in the Copenhagen "Politiken," ordering
him to send Zacharin to St. Petersburg.
The adjutant of the Governor found the
Professor in his clinic, and asked him to
make as rapid preparations as possible. as
the fast train would leave the city for the
capital in a few hours.
1.-The fast train? What?' was the Pro-
fessor's answer. 1.-The Emperor of Russia
sick, and you talk of the fast train, Will
you kindly order me an extra which must
be ready In half an hourg'
Petersburg, and, arriving there. hurried
with an adjutant to the castle.
His Majesty awaits you. Professor.
the entrance. your rooms are at the head
of the stairway, and you will find every
thing in readiness to make your toilet after
Toilet answered the physician. His
Majesty is sick, and wants my advice. not
to see me in toilet Take me to him at
once"
The Emperor was lying in bed in a dark
room. AL the windows were closed and the
curtains were down. The Empress sat In a
rocking chair next to the bed. Three body
physicians stood about the room Zacharin
entered the room, made his obeisance to
the imperial pair, but almost totally dis
regarded the presence of his colleagues.
What an atmosphere, 1t is disease
breeding. And in this atmosphere you al
low Russia's sick Emperor TO lie? Quick,
Put back the curtains and raise the win
dows." Such was his first order.
He then became silent and began a thor
taking q chair, he rested his arm on his
knee and began to think. Almost ten min
utes passed without his uttering more than
clans. who apparently did not like his
action, began TO talk softly to one another
he raped with his pencil and told them TO
'be STILL"
A year ago. when the Emperor was suf-
fering from influenza. Professor Zacharin
was called also to the palace of the Car.
Upon his arrival, with his assistant. the
doctor was asked to take a suit Of. rooms
on the third story. Zacharin refused TO be
housed there. He had the habit. he said,
of always sleeping on the round floor, and
did not wish to change his habits. 1t was
bad for the health. He had his way and
was led to chambers on the first floor.
The Czarina. wishing to show her friend
ly interest in the physician. invited him
to takS his meals with the family at the
imperial table. To this Zacharin replied:
II never eat with womer, your Majesty"
He insisted upon being served in MS
rooms, and the good-natured Empress al
lowed him to nave his way.
one day the Czarina, believing that tbs
evil from which the Gar suffered was
increasing, descended TO the room of the
doctor and begged him to examine the tern
perature of the patient and see If 1t were
not higher.
my assistant" replied the autocratic
physician. will go examine him."
\ little later the assistant returned &c
the rooms with the announcement tha1
I'D - no ~ ~ 80 1r.nA-n
ture of the sick ruler.
You see. your Majesty. that IL is no.
worth while to disturb me-"
The doctor was accustomed TO go about
the palace in the early mornings wearing
a gown and the felt slippers OF a peas
ant. But no one ever dared 10 call him Il
account.
The doctor gives away large sums o.
money yearly TO the poor. Poor students n,
always treats free OF charge. But when n
finds a rich patient he makes Kim pay fol
all that he has lost.