But then you must be able
to give them real interests, not gossip.
[Sidenote: Two new classes of patients peculiar to this generation.]
NOTE.--There are two classes of patients which are unfortunately
becoming more common every day, especially among women of the richer
orders, to whom all these remarks are pre-eminently inapplicable. 1.
Those who make health an excuse for doing nothing, and at the same
time allege that the being able to do nothing is their only grief.
2. Those who have brought upon themselves ill-health by over pursuit
of amusement, which they and their friends have most unhappily
called intellectual activity. I scarcely know a greater injury that
can be inflicted than the advice too often given to the first class
"to vegetate"--or than the admiration too often bestowed on the
latter class for "pluck."
XIII. OBSERVATION OF THE SICK.
[Sidenote: What is the use of the question, Is he better?]
There is no more silly or universal question scarcely asked than this,
"Is he better?" Ask it of the medical attendant, if you please.
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