“Frequently a man’s business, Mr. Robinson, involves a strain which he does not realize. He becomes so accustomed to its routine that he staggers along with worries that would crush a man not accustomed to them. There are some occupations which are a great deal more trying in this respect than others. One of my patients—of course it would not be proper to mention his name—is a banker who was on the verge of insanity when he came here, through worry over his financial affairs.” “Oh, there’s nothing of that kind, no worries I mean, in my case. My business—I’m a stock dealer—is flourishing. I’m making money. Cleared $25,000 last year, have a fine home, a good wife and family, and would enjoy life if it were not for this annoying trouble. If it were not for the hope that relief may be found I would be sorely tempted to kill myself.” 122The secret is out. Unwittingly Mr. Robinson has disclosed the fact that he is well off financially and able to pay a good fee, which information is of more importance to the doctor than the description of the caller’s physical ills. The conversation drifts back to the ailment, the caller telling of the various treatments he has taken, and the results. Among other things, he says: “I have consulted a number of eminent physicians, among them Drs. —— and ——, and they all told me that there was no real cure for the trouble. What do you think, doctor?” “Naturally I dislike to set my opinion against that of the famous men you have mentioned. They are among the ablest in the profession. Their ability is unquestioned. Still, we may all be mistaken. In the absence of a thorough physical examination I would not like to say positively what the outcome of this treatment would be. It does seem, however, in view of the success obtained in similar cases, fully as serious, if not more so, that there is good reason to feel sanguine.” No promise here. No rough, “Sure thing, I can cure you,” such as the cheap $5 fakirs indulge in. Nothing of the kind. The doctor is the very personification of social and professional dignity. His appearance and manner is impressive, and the kindly way in which he takes a hidden clout at those “famous and able specialists” wins the caller to him. “What would be the fee for an examination, Doctor?” the caller enquires. “I make no charge for that service,” replies the doctor. 123“It is an essential preliminary to determining whether the case is one in which the treatment may be administered with reasonable chance of success. My plan is to give every applicant a close examination and reject such cases as appear hopeless. Failures don’t help a physician’s professional reputation any, so what’s the use of wasting a man’s time and money when it is a foregone conclusion that he is beyond help?”