The exemption laws of most states are so liberal that a very small per cent. of physician's bills could be collected by law, should the debtor elect to take advantage of the exemption law. The only safe method is to put it up to your client as a debt of honor, and depend upon their inherent honesty and pride. It does no good to sue a man for a doctor bill except in extreme cases. You will lose more than you will gain. Not only will you in all probability lose the account and expenses, but you will make a lot of enemies, who will injure your practice more than the amount of the bill. Treat your poor patrons with the same respect and courtesy that you do rich ones. Mr. Smith will do his best to pay you, while Old Bill Smith will not exert himself very much to balance your ledger. Then above all treat the woman in the flowered Mother-Hubbard as if she were the Queen of Sheba, and the off-color lady from the red-light district as you would the President of the Purity Society. The child that is ragged and dirty should receive the same cordial attention as the one in silks. When the time comes that you cannot treat all your patrons as you would like for them to treat you if your positions were reversed, it is time for you to "Fold up your tent like the Arab and silently steal away," your usefulness is at an end. The day when you can make money in that location has passed. Be kind to little children. Women and children furnish the greater part of our patrons. Men do not count for much in the practice of medicine,--unless you are a G-U specialist. I have always found that where grandma and the children liked me, that I had no trouble in getting practice or in collecting my money. Do not pad your accounts. Charge what you consider your services worth, and then stick to it. Deal a square hand to all. The golden rule is just as bright and as true today as it was thousands of years ago, and it is not recorded that any man was ever hung that lived up to it. After you have done your full duty =demand= that your patrons do their duty by you. Keep after the money that is justly due you. Get money; but get it honestly. You will be criticised by some, and cussed by others, but in the words of Carrie Nation, "Why care for the criticism of men who change and die?" And finally remember, that in this world there is nothing that will pay dividends equal to smiles--unless it is gall, and do not forget the injunction of the prophet, "Physician, 'heel' thyself," lest in old age the world will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou--into the poor house." CHAPTER III PROPER TIME TO COLLECT. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the sun."--Eccle. 3: 1.