"You appear to be obsessed, if I may say so," replied Dr. Dodderer, "with the idea of enjoyment. You must bear in mind our standpoint, which I have already explained. But certainly the public take great interest in the medical plays. Sub-Dramatist Smellie wrote a series, _Phthisis_, _Nephritis_ and _Meningitis_, which are almost equal to Grubber's _Uric Acid_, but he fails a little in the higher aspects of the subject, and consequently his fourth acts fall short of the highest philosophical perfection. I remember reading the proofs of his first play, _Gall Stones_. It was excellent until he came to the philosophical phase. It reminded me of an older play produced in the transition period, some fifty years ago, called _The Blind and the Deaf_. It had a considerable vogue for several years, but you see from its title that the conception was not fully developed." "These medical plays," I said, "are not the most typical productions of the dramatic genius of modern Meccania, I suppose?" "In some ways they are," replied Dr. Dodderer. "That is to say, they are almost peculiar to our country. But one of our younger playwrights has developed the subject of economics in a way almost equally unique. His _Significance of Food_, and his _Insurance_, and _Distribution_, are a mere introduction to his masterpiece, _Value_. A very slight work on _Inaccuracy_, which was almost a farce, first attracted the attention of the Board of Criticism. They refused to produce _Inaccuracy_ in its original form, and he embodied it in a more mature work, _Production_, which was the first of his genuine economic plays." "I suppose, then, you have historical or at least political plays?" "Historical plays are mostly performed in the juvenile theatres," he said. "I have very little to do with them. They fall under Section A, and, as you know, I am the Sub-Controller of Section B," replied Dodderer. "But," he continued, "we have a certain number of more advanced historical plays for adults. For instance, _The Evolution of Society_, with its sequel, _The Triumph of Meccania_, are excellent historical plays. Political plays have become almost obsolete, but there are still a few produced occasionally. _The Principle of Monarchy_ is still quite a classic in its way, and _The Futility of Democracy_ is one of the most brilliant pieces of Meccanian satire. _Obedience_ is another classic." "It seems to me a very remarkable fact that your Sixth and Seventh Classes should be able to appreciate such plays as those you have been describing," I said, "especially in parts of the country which cannot be so far advanced as the capital."