Letters to a Young Physician Just Entering Upon Practice

nd words, and actions are closely watched by the patient and by his friends in all cases of severe sickness; and, indeed, where, though the disease is slight, the apprehension of evil is great. First of all, his deportment should be calm; he should be sober without solemnity, and civil without formality. He should abstain from all levity. He should, indeed, be cheerful, and, under proper circumstances, he may indulge in vivacity and in humor, if he has any. But all this should be done with reference to the actual state of feeling of the patient and of his friends. He should avoid mannerism; and rather cultivate the feelings which will lead him aright, than be thinking in detail of the particular steps which he should take. The physician should never exact attention to himself. The patient is the central object in the sick-room, or should be so. The physician should recognize this, and, if possible, put his patient at his ease, so as to facilitate bis intercourse with him. As far as possible, he should seek information from the patient himself. If tb,e sick one be an infant, or in any way incapable of speaking for himself, the inquiries must be addressed to the mother, or to the nurse. Yet the conversation should relate to the patient only. In the same spirit, paying no more attention to others than decency requires, he should proceed at once to business. In this way, he acquires the confidence of his patient, and will be most likely to get at the truth in re...