PREFACE For the past twenty-five years it has been my pleasure to be connected in a professorial way with several medical colleges in this city. During this time I have frequently talked to the students about "the business side" of the medical profession. They have often asked me to reduce these thoughts to writing; hence this book. I make free use of "the personal pronoun" because I regard this more in the nature of a heart-to-heart" talk with the "boys" than otherwise. I insert my photograph because they have requested it. The book is enlarged that it may interest all members of the medical profession, and the laity are earnestly requested to read it. Many "fads and frauds" are dealt with without "fear or favor.” It has been painful to me to see many of my professional friends die and leave their families in actual want. The reason is plain that it was either their own fault or the fault of their clientele, and how to prevent this happening to others is the main object of the book. I have tried to write "a guide to success" intended principally for medical students and the young practitioners of medicine. Those who have already succeeded and are satisfied need not read the book unless they want to. The wives of doctors, I believe, will be pleased with the sentiments herein expressed. The administration of drugs has not been considered at all, but "Art in Medicine" has received full attention. Character, which is the very foundation of success in any calling, is fully dwelt on, together with the many attributes that go to make up a gentleman, and the possession of which is necessary to insure success in medicine. The "foibles and follies" of society are held up to view, and the life of the doctor pictured as it really is. I hope that the book may be of some comfort and advantage to a few struggling young doctors at least. The "lights and shadows of a doctor's life" receive equal attention, and to relieve the monotony a jocular vein is interspersed here and there. LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, 923 Fourth Avenue. THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING THE MEDICAL PRO- Examining Boards; College Education; Common School Education; Self-Education; Character; Generosity; Humbleness; Decision; Perseverance; Positiveness; Am- Justice; The Poor; Treatment of Other Doctors; Gossip; Sarcasm; Secrets; " The Clock"; The First Call; Pull- ing the First Tooth; The Old Maid"; An Hour of The General Practitioner; The Surgeon; Medical Socie- The Telephone; The Three Learned Professions; Does It Pay?; The First Citizen; A Chance; A Life Policy; Accounts; Investments; Compare Earnings; How to THE YOUNG VERSUS THE OLD DOCTOR, Claims Compared; Experience; A Mountain Patient; THE COUNTRY VERSUS THE CITY DOCTOR, The Country Home; The Old Days; A Call in the Country; A Call in the City; The Workingman; The Old Woman at the Gate; The Man Who Never Works; |