You see, it has been discovered by physiologists that if a solution of the bromide of potassium is applied locally to a rabbit’s heart, it produces instantly marked lessening of its action,[[3]] and if applied to the muscle of the frog it throws it into tetanic spasm.[[4]] On the nerve trunks it acts as a paralyzing poison;[[5]] in fact, if you inject it in the vicinity of a living dog’s heart, “cardiac arrest always occurs.” So that you see how easily the physiologist can demonstrate how bromide of potassium quiets the excited nervous system of the hysterical ladies. You do not quite follow the reasoning? Well, do not tell the examiners that, because they declare it is quite plain to them, and helps to prove the value of experiment. Now, as there are no instances given in any books of physiology known to us, detailing any effects produced on the hearts or brains of any mammals by the dramatic reading of poetry, it would be manifestly unscientific to treat lady patients by any such method. Moreover, as it is of no use to cure anybody if you cannot demonstrate precisely how you cure him, it is better to let him alone.
The mind specialist who effected these remarkable results was answered by his colleagues who went in for the rabbit and dog theories that in the first place the patient wasn’t ill at all; secondly, that consequently she was not cured; and thirdly, that she was still as ill as ever. But the good physician still holds on his course, speaks with growing disrespect of the Pharmacopœia, studies Nature, but does not “put her to the question,” and takes hints from old women, birds, trees and flowers; and like another Paracelsus, is ridiculed by his professional brethren in proportion to his success in unorthodox methods.
CHAPTER XV.
SCIENCE AND FASHION.
Full ready had he his apothecaries,
To send him drugs and his electuaries;
For each of them made other for to win!
Their friendship was not newè to begin.
—Chaucer.
He was a very perfect practisoùr,