Page:Early History of Medicine in Philadelphia - George W Norris.djvu/41

 ceremony, as he often did, stopped in at a public office, and with a pleasant nod to its occupant, sat himself down to a table to make some memoranda. While thus occupied, he was interrupted by a forward and presuming stranger, who entered, and wanted of him some medical advice gratis. Finding himself thus addressed, he lifted the corner of his wig as usual, and desired the person to repeat his question more loudly, which he did. 'Doctor, what would you advise as the best thing for a pain in the breast?' The wig dropped immediately to its proper place, and after a seemingly profound study for a moment, the doctor replied, 'Oh! ay, I tell you, my good friend, the very best thing I can advise for a pain in the breast is—to consult your physician.'"

Here it may be well to mention that in the last century, in Redman's time, most physicians made their visits on foot, very few but old men riding on horseback, or in little phaetons. In stormy weather they defended themselves with top boots, oiled linen hat covers, and large shoulder capes, hooked around the neck, extending to the knees of the same material, called roquelaires. When umbrellas were introduced, the doctors were the first to patronize them. These articles, although very heavy and clumsy, being made with thick rattan sticks, and