The presence of others would prevent that freedom of discussion, which in some cases is so necessary. For each physician, knowing that his individual opinions will be reported by those who are present, would be very cautious in expressing them, and there would therefore be none of that freeness of suggestion and discussion, which is so desirable in a consultation. And farther than this, while the honest and high-minded physician would be simply embarrassed under such circumstances, the selfish and unprincipled physician would, on the other hand, express his opinions with a view to their effect upon his own standing with those who are present, while the welfare of the patient would be altogether a secondary object. His main object would not be consultation based upon a rigid investigation of the case, but an exhibition of his skill and knowledge to the non-professional listeners. The reasons which I have thus briefly given, are, I trust, sufficient to show the reader the reasonableness of the rule, which excludes the friends of the sick from the consultations of the physicians. But it is sometimes spoken of as unreasonable, and a strict adherence to it is considered by some as implying a want of frankness and candor. Tattlers and busy-bodies are ready to attribute some sinister design to this bar which is put upon their curiosity; and some physicians, especially in the country, where there is apt to be less regard to strict rules in medical intercourse, than in our cities, sometimes flatter this prejudice, and assuming an air of frankness in the expression of their opinions, adroitly throw the responsibility of the exclusion upon some of their brethren. The intrigues, which are practised by the cunning and dishonorable in connexion with consultations, are very numerous. I will notice a few of them.