If you will send me the name and address of your family physician I will write him asking for the necessary information, and between us we may be able to do something for you at your home. While your letter is unusually full and complete, with the facts stated in an intelligent manner not customary with laymen, you will readily understand that there are some complications in nearly every case which are more readily described by a physician, and especially one who has been watching it faithfully for a long time. Hoping to hear from you promptly, I am, Very truly yours, ———— When Mr. Smith receives this letter about the first thing he does is to show it to his family doctor and, no matter how much the latter was opposed to the “new-fangled” treatment at first, his chest swells with pride at the flattering reference to his ability. He says: “Yes, Mr. Smith, you may send my name and address to Dr. Wilkinson and when I hear from him I will write 79him fully about your case. He is right in saying that only a professional man can give the required information properly.” And off marches Mr. Family Physician, head erect, and with the pompous air of a drum major. Is he not about to be consulted by the famous Dr. Wilkinson, a man known throughout the land for his wonderful successes? When the specialist receives the local doctor’s name and address from Mr. Smith, he writes the doctor somewhat after this style: G. H. WILKINSON, M.D. SPECIALIST IN CHRONIC DISEASES —— Michigan Avenue Chicago, August 21, 1910. Thomas H. Jennings, M.D., Godfrey’s Corners, Ia. Dear Doctor: I have lately been consulted by mail by Mr. John Smith, of your city, who is, I understand, a patient of yours suffering from tabes dorsalis. The case appears to be one of unusual interest and I will be under obligation to you professionally if you will make me acquainted with the details. As you have been in charge of the case a long time it would be presumptuous on my part to attempt to outline the facts I want. You will know what to write about a great deal better than I would, and I will leave the matter entirely in your hands. My only interest in the matter now is a professional one as I understand Mr. Smith is unable to come to Chicago. Trusting that you will accommodate me, and hoping that I may be able to return the favor in kind, I am, Yours fraternally, ———— This does settle Mr. Family Physician for sure. For years afterward he takes delight in letting it be known 80how he was “called into consultation by the eminent Dr. Wilkinson, of Chicago, who said frankly that I knew more about the case than he did.” To the credit of Mr. Family Physician be it said that this latter statement was probably correct, and it might with all truth have been extended to include the assertion that he was doing as much or more for the patient as Dr. Wilkinson could.