A HASTY PRESCRIPTION.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 144, 3 June 1911, Page 4 (Supplement)

A HASTY PRESCRIPTION.

The late Sir Andrew Clarke was so ardent in his crusade against over-eat-ing and over-drinking, and so firm in his belief that in a large majority of cases diet would do far more than drugs, that he was a little too much inclined to take it for granted that his patients were self-indulgent to the rum of their health. Among the many anecdotes to which his views gave rise, the following is one of the most amusing A patient came to consult him, and was at onre overwhelmed with directions on the subject of the life he should lead and the diet to which he should adhere. “ Now, remember, only one glass of wine at each meal/’ the phv ician concluded, “and just one cigar after dinner won’t hurt yon. Gcod-morning. Be sure you keep strictly to one cigar.” “ Ono cigar 1 ” said the patient. “ But ” “ Mv dear sir,” broke in Sir Andrew, somewhat testily. “ I must insist. If I am to treat you, you must follow’ mv directions. T know quite well you will find it hard, but it is absolutely necessary for your health.” The patient heaved a deep sigh. “All li ht. Sir Andrew. Since you insist, I will do mv best. Good-morning.” He went his way; but his health did not improve, and at tho end of a fe-v weeks he returned to the physician’s rensnlting room.

“ No better ” said the doctor, surprised. “ But have you followed ail mv dire'tions? ” “ Absoiutelv,” replied the visitor. “T must admit that the cigar was rather hard work at first; and in fact, it made me- feel ill ; but I soon got used to it. and now I rather like it.” “ Good Leavens! ” said Sir Andrew, on whom the truth dawned; “do you riean to toll me ” “ Yes, I had never smoked before.”