Sin,—There is no mysticism about a doctor wishing to examine
his patient before making a diagnosis and prescribing. Even your poor mechanic prefers to see and examine your car before giving his opinion as to what may be wrong.
One day you, sir, may suffer from an unholy belly-ache and you might get this answer from your 'good' doctor over the telephone: 'Take a good dose of Dr. Collis Brown's chlorodyne and that'll put you right.' whereas, my friend, you may be suffering from an intestinal obstruction or even an acute appendicitis. Relieved from pain and lulled to sleep, you may wake on the morrow with a rising pulse rate and temperature and, indeed, be on your quick way out to death, and then—the best of luck to you and your telephone adviser. But then, I expect, that doctor is too wise to advise, without inspection, treatment for stomach-ache.
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