The times., 1901-06-16

what is known as the doctors line and
in front Of a small office are assembled
those who are, who believe they are, or
who pretend 10 be IN need Of medical
treatment The physician has as his as
sistant some 'trusty' prisoner, who is
generally employed in the hospital Of the
institution and whose education qualities
him 10 take notes, dress wounds. and
make himself generally useful In every
community Of this kind especially where
large industries are carried on, there are
inmates who become dissatisfied with
their tasks and. knowing intuitively that
the deputy viii not change their occupa-
ton, they appeal 10 the physician as a
last resort 20 relieve them for physical
reasons. This is oftentmes a source Of
much annoyance and causes the physi-
clan considerable embarrassment. A man
may be naturally weak and yet not be III
enough 10 need treatment. Others, cut Of
pure mischief will go 20 the doctor s
line simply to Kill time or as means
z Of communicating with some friend in the
institution. The prison doctor must pos
sess a great amount Of patience 10 deal
with these persons.
-Oue man will solemnly declare that he
has not slept for several nights, another
that b.. can eat nothing, and still another
has revere attack OF rheumatism. OFT
entimes the physician IS amused by some
Of the complaints made, especially when
a prisoner who has absolutely no knowl-
edge Of anatomy attempts 10 diagnose ms
own case. one man VIII complain that ne
is suff ffcriug with heart disease. and, upon
being questioned as TO the location OF the
pain, viii place his hand almost any
where from the back Of his neck TO his
feet.
Then there comes the man Of some
means and education, who feels that he IS
badly In need of tonic, or, perhaps, de
sires 10 take something his family phy-
slCian has prescribed In all such cases
the patient is told that he cannot be
granted the privilege Of outside medical
attendance, or that he is in no present
need Of medicine.
the country today the hospitals arc fully
and properly equipped with everything es-
seutial to the welfare and treatment OF
the invalid prisoner. There Is a %tn-Sup-
piled dispcnsary and glass showcase
containing surgical instruments of almost
every description. The operating tables
are Of glass OF some material equally
good In case il is necessary 10 operate
on a prisoner. unless the case demands
Immediate treatment and delays would be
dangerous, the physician first communl-
Gates with the relatives OF the patient
obtaining their consent or disapproVal.
This IS done through the warden.
'Aa rule the prison physician calls in
some outside practitioner to assist him IN.
serious or difficult operation. In case
any inmate OF a prison seeks a pardon
because of physical decline the signature
of the physician must. OF course, be first
obtained. IL Is almost always the case,
when the physician reports TO the board
in authority that a prisoner has not long
20 live, that he is pardOncd.
''Thc prison physician. as a rule, is
large hearted man, thoroughly in sym
pathy with the unfortuuates under his
care. His smile is like the silver lining
Of the cloud TO some poor discouraged in
mate. and his words Of cheer and sym