“Having heard that a physician in his neighborhood had said ‘Esquire Miller,’ as he was familiarly called, ‘was a fine man and a good neighbor, but was a monomaniac on the subject of the advent,’ Mr. M. was humorously inclined to let him prescribe for his case.
“One of his children being sick one day, he sent for the doctor, who, after prescribing for the child, noticed that Mr. Miller was very mute in one corner, and asked what ailed him.
“‘Well, I hardly know, doctor. I want you to see what does, and prescribe for me.’
“The doctor felt of his pulse, &c., and could not decide respecting his malady; and inquired what he supposed was his complaint.
“‘Well,’ said Mr. Miller, ‘I don’t know but I am a monomaniac; and I want you to examine me, and see if I am; and if so, cure me. Can you tell when a man is a monomaniac?’
“The doctor blushed, and said he thought he could.
“Mr. Miller wished to know how.
“‘Why,’ said the doctor, ‘a monomaniac is rational on all subjects but one; and when you touch that particular subject, he will become raving.’
“‘Well,’ said Mr. Miller, ‘I insist upon it that you see whether I am in reality a monomaniac; and if I am, you shall prescribe for and cure me. You shall, therefore, sit down with me two hours, while I present the subject of the advent to you, and, if I am a monomaniac, by that time you will discover it.’