The cross-examination began by showing that the witness, although a graduate of Harvard, had not immediately entered a medical school, but on the contrary had started in business in Wall Street, had later been manager of several business enterprises, and had not begun the study of medicine until he was forty years old. The examination then continued in the most amiable manner possible, each question being asked in a tone almost of apology.
Counsel. "We all know, doctor, that you have a large and lucrative family practice as a general practitioner; but is it not a fact that in this great city, where accidents are of such common occurrence, surgical cases are usually taken to the hospitals and cared for by experienced surgeons?"
Doctor. "Yes, sir, that is so."
Counsel. "You do not even claim to be an experienced surgeon?"
Doctor. "Oh, no, sir. I have the experience of any general practitioner."
Counsel. "What would be the surgical name for the particular form of fracture that this lady suffered?"
Doctor. "What is known as a 'Potts fracture of the ankle.'"
Counsel. "That is a well-recognized form of fracture, is it not?"
Doctor. "Oh, yes."