Abernethy. Ah, I see! Very well. (Then to the patient). Well, sir, I should advise you to attend to your general health, and continue to follow Mr. ——'s advice on that subject. What I say is—— (Then followed a short lecture on the digestive organs.)
Patient. Do you think, sir, I shall get rid of it?
Abernethy. Nay, I cannot tell that. But now suppose you pursue a plan steadily, say for a month, and the tumour does not increase, will it not be encouraging to you?
Patient. Certainly, sir.
Abernethy. Well, then, try it; for if its removal should become necessary, you will at least be in better condition for the operation. If it does not get larger, or otherwise inconvenience you, let it alone.
The patient had heard so much of Abernethy's roughness, that he came away equally pleased and astonished.
A surgeon took a Colonel in the army to him, with a case which was progressing fairly, but, as he conceived, in consequence of the patient not paying so much attention to his health as he was recommended to do, not so satisfactorily as he desired. The Colonel briefly stated his case.
Abernethy. Show me your tongue. Ah! that is bad enough.
Colonel. You are quite right there.
Abernethy. Well, man, I don't require to be told that.