PRACTITIONERS AND PATIENTS. (A Sketch of the New York Medical Faculty.) BY ANNA CORA MOWATT, "Ah! Doctor, how d'ye do? Just the person I was thinking of!" said Dr. Quackenboss, as he drew up his comfortable cab-like gig in front of the Carlton House, and beside the foreign-looking vehicle of a fashionable contemporary. "On your way to Percy's, Doctor?" I "Dr. Quackenboss-how are you, sir? am on my way to Mr. Percy's-hem-let your garçon drive on and take a seat beside me; you see I have room for four;" said Dr. Honeywood, giving his reins to his liveried tiger. Dr. Quackenboss had alighted with characteristic nimbleness, and accepted the offer almost before it was made. Dr. Honeywood courteously made room for him, submitted to the troublesome necessity of drawing off his lemoncoloured gloves, and very slightly touched the Samson-like fingers of his companion. Exactly-Sir Humphrey was a great manI knew a friend of his abroad." You have travelled all over Europe, Doctor, and ought to know best; but for my part, I have found bread and honey pills the most effi cacious remedy for palpitations, coughs, headaches, nervousness, in fact everything, as I said before, epidemics excepted." "Right, Doctor-no disputing your opinionbread and honey pills, good things-very good things!" "To be sure they are! And, Doctor, I am convinced that this practice of influencing the imagination has been resorted to by men of science since the world began. What was Perkinism but tickling the imagination with metallic tractors, and convincing people they were cured? What is Animal Magnetism but soothing the imagination by passes, and persuading people they are asleep, and you can work wonders on them? What is Homœopathy, pray, but dosing the imagination in a mysterious and incomprehensible manner? Doctor, I tell you the influence of mind upon matter is not appreciated "The old story-nothing new in science now-now-a-days-not appreciated." Dr. Quackena-days-it's all the same rehearsal of the past. Doctor, you know my theory that medicine (as well as history), "Interesting case that of Mr. Percy's ward, Doctor," commenced Dr. Quackenboss. "Miss Ruthven ? Oh! yes-very interesting-hem.-What was it you thought of her symptoms, Doctor?" "With all her volumes vast Has but one page.' My practice, Doctor- and you must allow it is rather extensive has taught me that almost all the ills flesh is heir to,' (epidemics excepted) may be summed up in the word imaginationdifferent diseases are but the different vagaries of imagination on different constitutions. To cure them you must influence the imagination. Doctor, I call Miss Ruthven's case a confirmed case of imagination !" Dr. Quackenboss uttered these last words with energetic solemnity "Oh! yes-just so-just so-"-returned Dr. Honeywood, musingly; "as you say, imagination does a great deal-no disputing that. I've heard the same thing from men of the highest reputation in Europe. Besides, the lady was your patient before I was called in; you know her constitution. Her cough is rather severe though?” 66 Spasmodic, Doctor, or occasioned by thinking about it; nothing more. Only remember the venerable lady, who had had the asthma ten years, and whom Sir Humphrey Davy cured in ten minutes by just touching a thermometer under her tongue! What do you call that but a case of asthmatic imagination?" boss was obliged to pause to take breath. "Just so-incomprehensible manner as you say-not appreciated-hem.-By the way, the young lady is an heiress, is she not?" "She is an only child; her father died very rich, and she was left sole heiress. Her father's will brings her into possession of his estate on the day of her marriage, or on her twenty-first birthday. Her guardian, Mr. Percy, has a large family and is in very embarrassed circumstances. As he was a bosom friend of Ruthven's it's rather astonishing that he was left no legacy. However, he will be well enough off, for Miss Ruthven was engaged, before her fa ther's death, to Percy's eldest son." "Ah! indeed-where is he at present?" "In Charleston, just commencing business for himself. I have heard, but it sounds rather improbable, and indeed I am myself inclined to doubt it, that young Mr. Percy purposely postponed his union with the heiress until he was prosperously established in commerce.” 66 Rather improbable story, I should saymight have done a century ago-hem.-What was to become of the property, in case Miss Ruthven died before she came of age, and unmarried?" In that case, the property goes to a distant branch of the family; a fashionable widow with three daughters. I believe you are acquainted with her Mrs. Wurldley?"" "Ah! Mrs. Wurldley! Know her very well -fascinating woman-one of the élites. So you don't think the young lady is in any danger?" "Not the slightest! young girls are fanciful -like to think themselves ill. You must have seen thousands of such cases!" "Certainly, certainly-very common. I agree with you perfectly." As Dr. Honeywood said these words, his vehicle stopped before a small two story house in a rather unfashionable part of the city. Dr. Quackenboss led the way to a miniature parlour, remarkable for its extreme neatness, and the absence of everything resembling luxury. An elderly lady sat beside the small stove, surrounded by a group of rosy-looking children, with their books and slates. There was something remarkably prepossessing in her appearance; and her smile, as she rose to receive them, would have been a passport to any heart unintrenched in the impenetrable mail of conven tionalism. "How d'ye do? How are you, Mrs. Percy?" said Dr. Quackenboss in a spirited tone, and with some empressement of manner. "Dr. Honeywood and myself are early you see. Sorry to say I have only a few moments to spare-patients waiting for me all over the city! How is the fair Marion to-day?” "You shall see her immediately, Doctor," replied Mrs Percy. "Lucy, my dear, tell Marion to come down stairs without delay." "I acknowledge all that, Doctor; but Marion is really-" The entrance of Miss Ruthven precluded further conversation on the subject. Surely there was little of the invalid in the bound of her elastic step-the cloud-like varyings of her animated seemed to encircle her. True, her form was countenance-the sphere of joyousness which delicate to fragility, but then she had not yet attained the rounded maturity of womanhood. Her blue eyes shone with peculiar lustre; but how could it be otherwise when her bright spirit sparkled so constantly through them? The tint of her cheek was like the hue of the crimsoning autumn leaf, when it seems to blush that its glory is departing-but might not that have been the flush of exercise, or the rosy gift of youth and health? rion?" "began Dr. Quackenboss. "We shall "Bright as a May morning, eh! Miss Mahear next that Niblo has prohibited your walking in his green-house, if you persist in carrying such emulous roses on your cheeks. How do you do to-day? Only a few moments to spend you-patients waiting for me in every di with rection." Marion had no time to reply before Dr. Honeywood addressed her. "Looking well, my dear young lady-looking well-hem-how are you, my dear? hem-ha!" and Dr. Honeywood wiped his mouth, and then his eyes, and took Marion's small transparent "I sincerely hope, madam-hem-I hope, hand within his, and fastened his fingers and atMrs. Percy, that Miss Ruthven finds herself tention on her pulse, with all the gravity neconsiderably relieved this morning-hem-Icessary for the performance of that difficult opeanticipate-hem-seeing her quite recovered;" said Dr. Honeywood. "Ah! Doctor, we have many fears," began Mrs. Percy sorrowfully. "Fears, madam! Have I not told you that was because your imagination was so active?" interrupted Dr. Quackenboss. ration. "I think I am easier this morning, Doctor," said Marion. "Pulse weak-hem-rather weak-ha-quite weak;" continued Dr. Honeywood. "That's from confinement to the house, Doctor, nothing else," said Dr. Quackenboss. "But, Doctor, her cough is really dreadful "Just so, just so, too much confinement, my -the night sweats continue, and she has no dear young lady,-must take exercise, my dear appetite. Do you not think these alarming-hem-ha-any pain in your chest, my dear symptoms, sir?" And Mrs. Percy turned to young lady?" the elder practitioner. "My dear madam-hem-they are of very frequent occurrence-we meet with them every day-hem-ha-no cause for alarm, my dear madam-none whatever." 66 "We trust everything to you, sir; but indeed we are very much distressed. Would you think it advisable to call in further advice?" inquired Mrs. Percy; in her anxiety hardly knowing what she was saying, and only remembering that "in the multitude of counsel there is wisdom." "Nonsense, nonsense!" said Dr. Quackenboss, hastily. Beg pardon, ma'am-I say nothing of myself, for there are enough to speak of me, but what advice could you have superior to Dr. Honeywood's? His fame has spread all over the continent. His time is so engrossed that he is obliged to be exclusive, and only visit his especial friends. My case is so similar, madam, that friendship for you alone—” "I have considerable pain," said Marion, lowering her tone lest it should reach the ear of Mrs. Percy. "Not a very good symptom; we must look to that, Doctor." "Not important, Doctor; I have a pain in my chest myself very frequently, and a healthier man does not ride through Broadway." "True, Doctor, true; pains may exist without the slightest internal disease. Hem-you are improving rapidly, my dear young lady-improving. Oblige me with a sight of your tongue, my dear." And Dr. Honeywood wiped his eyes once more with considerable deliberation, and then his mouth, and then his spectacles, in preparation for the all-important inspection. "Hem-ha-furred; rather furred, quite furred! What do you think, Doctor?" "A little white; want of air and exercise; nothing at all." "It's often much worse," timidly suggested Mrs. Percy. "Doctor," said Mrs. Percy, timidly; “would not a Nuremburg plaster do Marion good?" "Nuremburg plaster? Certainly-certainly "Just so, just so,-not so bad as I think I've seen it, my dear," said the accommodating man-good thing!" of science, accustomed to adapt his vision to the sight of all around him. We'll soon remedy that, my dear young lady." 66 "We're delighted to find you so well, Miss Marion, and-" Dr. Quackenboss was interrupted by the entrance of a lady, somewhat past her prime, whose studied and dashing attire, and the faded charms it was intended to heighten, or restore, called forcibly to mind Goldsmith's expression of "The glaring impotence of dress." This lady threw her arms around Marion the instant she entered the room, and kissed her with the utmost tenderness. Mrs. Percy she saluted with more formality. "It is a great gratification for me to find you here, gentlemen," said she, addressing the medical attendants. "I have been so worried about this dear girl! You must take the utmost care of her precious health. I presume there is no danger? I have been so distressed!" and the lady really did look very anxious. It might be, more anxious than grieved. "No danger at all, my dear Mrs. Wurldley," said Dr. Quackenboss. "How charming you are looking! It's always a pleasure to meet you. Excessively sorry I am in such haste-upwards of a hundred calls to make this morning have kept every body waiting, to see Miss Marion." Mrs. Wurldley, with a smile and a bow, turned from the gentleman to Dr. Honeywood, whom she addressed in a lower tone. "I am very much concerned about dear Marion's health, Doctor. I am afraid her symptoms are very serious. Do tell me the truth!" And Mrs. Wurldley's voice and face expressed the utmost alarm. Dr. Honeywood possessed no small insight into character. 66 Quite serious, my dear madam,-I have fears-hem-it's always best to keep these things quiet you know," was his reply. "Alas, misfortunes will come," said the lady, resignedly; every trace of alarm having mysteriously vanished from her face. "Now that I know the worst, my solicitude is quieted: she is so young, too-wants eight months of being twenty-one! Is it likely she will linger long, Doctor?" Dr. Honeywood had not forgotten Miss Ruthven's fortune, and its next inheritor; and replied, "Not long, my dear madam-hem-we must do our best; my opinion is-hem-ha-I am fearful the young lady may overhear. I hope to meet you again, my dear madam." I shall never be sufficiently grateful to you, dear Doctor, for your attention to dear Marion, and the interest you take in her," said Mrs. Wurldley, aloud. We are all so grateful!" The Doctor bowed, took up his hat, and drew on his gloves. "Or a medicated plaster," suggested Mrs. Wurldley. 66 Certainly-hem-medicated plaster will do; both good-hem.-Ladies, I wish you a very good morning. Doctor, are you ready?" Quite ready, Doctor. I have staid here too long, but I leave fair excuses behind me. Mrs. Percy-Mrs. Wurldley-Miss Marion, good morning, see you to-morrow-sorry I'm in such haste. Don't get your imagination excited, Miss Marion-good morning!" A month passed on, and every day spread additional gloom over the quiet, well-regulated household of Mr. and Mrs. Percy. Marion was beloved-(and who could know her and doubt she was beloved for herself?) alike by children and by parents. The very mention of her indisposition would moisten even the eyes of menials. All "hoped against hope," for her strength was visibly failing. Her laugh was still the merriest, her eye the brightest, her cheek the rosiest, her spirit the most unclouded. But that lustrous eye had become sunken, that richly hued cheek hollow, and the gaiety of her spirit was like the flame of a torch, which burns brightest before it expires. The visits of the two celebrated physicians continued daily. Dr. Quackenboss still talked of imagination, and assured Mrs. Percy that Miss Marion was well, or getting well. He still declared himself in a great hurry; had never a moment to spare-sick patients were calling on him in their agony on every side. Yet, once ensconced in the inviting arm-chair especially devoted to Miss Ruthven's use, he generally had the good-nature to bestow an hour or two of his invaluable attendance on the Percys; talking over the topics of the day, and expatiating upon his new theory concerning imagination. What fault could the family find with him? Certainly he did his duty, and sacrificed a large portion of his precious time, out of pure friendship, as he declared to them. Of course his daily, but palty five dollar fee, was not to a man of his disinterestedness a matter of consideration. If any evidence of his extensive practice was needed, it was found in the fact that almost every Sunday he was summoned out of church in the midst of prayers, or the instant the sermon commenced. His anxiety for his patients could be discerned, on such occasions, in the trepidation and haste with which he rose, and, regardless of the congregation, noisily hurried away. As for Dr. Honeywood, who was called in at the earnest request of Mrs. Percy, shortly before our story commences, he was the most popular physician in New York. He possessed the invaluable faculty of pleasing everybody, of seeing with everybody's eyes; hearing with everybody's ears; comprehending with everybody's understanding; of giving consequence to everybody's opinion by discovering that it was precisely his own. "All but mother-Lucy shall call her,” replied Eustace. Mrs. Percy was summoned. When she appeared, Marion raised herself with more strength than she had evinced for weeks. Her eyes lost the expression of languor, which of late had clouded their blue heaven. The huskiness of her voice was gone; her tones regained all their touching melody. Every heart grew lighter at these symptoms of returning health. "Dear Eustace," said Marion, "I did not send for you merely for the happiness of beholding you once more; and I feel-I know that I have little time left for the expression of my desires. To you, my more than parent, I have these two years been indebted for what I cannot thank you. Wealth can command much, but not the heart's guardianship—not the parental guidance you have bestowed upon me. A little longeronly a little longer I shall need that careMr. Percy turned away his head, and his wife could not repress her sobs. It is related of La Fayette, that when he was receiving company at Castle Garden, New York, two young gentlemen called upon him together. After expressing his happiness at seeing them, to the first he said, "You are a married man, I suppose, sir?" the gentleman answered in the affirmative. La Fayette cordially shook hands with him, exclaiming, happy fellow! happy fellow!" To the second gentleman, he put the same question. His visitor, as he replied in the negative, felt for the first time, that it was a misfortune to be a bachelor. To his surprise, La Fayette no sooner heard his answer, than he gave him a hearty slap on the shoulder, and cried out, "lucky dog! lucky dog!" This anecdote Dr. Honeywood heard in his youth, and he then made up his mind to adopt this one (as he termed it) great principle of action, of his illustrious predecessor. Perhaps he was slightly, very slightly, indebted to this determination for being considered the most amiable, sensible, polished individual in the known world. After passing a few years of relaxation in Europe, he returned to New York, and himself assured the Americans of the enviable reputation he had gained abroad. What better authority could they have had? Was it any wonder that he be- "In your memories, I trust, I shall remaincame the lion of physicians, or that he emulated and your beacon I will indeed be, but shining King Midas in the manufacture of gold? from another land. Its light will lure you Marion's weakness increased so rapidly, that thither, Eustace, where I shall await your comshe herself soon became aware that it was at-ing. Do not stop me; it is of temporal things I would speak. The wealth my father left me riches you have all lavished upon me. Yet, poor would be indeed a poor return for the heart's as it is, you must accept it when I shall have nothing else to offer-pray do not interrupt me I am not yet of age, but by my union with you, Eustace, I shall have power to bestow the perishable gift, which will be my last. We have little time to lose-to-morrow-to-morrow night, you will receive my hand. Father, mother, give ine the right to call you so while you yet may hear me. Forgive me, Eustace," and she smiled, "if I force upon you a bride less could have wished!" than merry you Her tended with dangerous consequences. Marion wrote to her lover the instant her own fears were excited, and begged him to hasten to New York. From that time her decline was marked and fearfully rapid. Mr. Percy received her letter, and left Charleston the next day, with feelings which baffle description. His family had soon the happiness of welcoming him amongst them, and he the grief of beholding his fair Marion drooping like a flower with the worm at its root. Eustace exclaimed with deep emotion, “Marion! do not talk thus, unless you would break our hearts! You will remain with us, to be our blessing-our beacon-" "Do not speak thus, Marion, if you would not drive me mad. You will recover-indeed you will. What motives would the world attrithese hasty nuptials took place? Do not look bute, think you, to my parents and myself, if thus-it cannot-must not be-you will be restored to us, and then-” For a few days previous to his arrival, Marion was compelled by debility to pass the greater "If my restoration is possible, it will be accomportion of the day upon her couch. But now plished through this medium. Remove the soher sufferings had entirely ceased, and the knell-licitude which oppresses me, by acquiescing in like cough which convulsed her tender frame no longer pierced the ears and hearts of those around her. She was reclining upon the sofa on the evening of her lover's arrival, with her head resting fondly on his shoulder. His young sisters and brothers, as usual, thronged about her; some kneeling beside her, some holding her hands, others bathing her temples, and all anxious to prove their solicitude for the beloved one. "Are you all here?" said Marion, looking round her affectionately. my desires, and it will assist my recovery more than any other human means. Eustace, it must be-it is my last request. Oh! are the wishes of the dying so lightly refused? To-morrownot an hour beyond to-morrow evening." He dared not excite the sinking girl either by a refusal or further discussion. Mrs. Percy instantly saw the danger of thwarting her wishes, and warned her son. He gave a forced assent to Marion's request, and she was persuaded to remain silent and quiet for the rest of the evening. |