Page:Quackery Unmasked.djvu/267

Rh as best suits them. It is not strange that whatever is most pleasing in appearance, and least repulsive in practice, meets with the most ready approval. They cannot fathom the mind nor measure the intellectual attainments, but are apt to take upon trust whatever fancy prefers. Testimonials of character, acquirements and experience, are of little amount here. If the candidate for favor pretends to possess a knowledge of some very new, very easy, very safe and very sure method of treatment, and if he reprobates and denounces every other method, and boasts much of his own skill, he will be likely to be allowed at least to make a trial of his skill. Prudent business men are not so easily imposed upon in matters of pecuniary interest. Before the tailor will trust the dandy with a coat, he wants some reliable security; neither the word of the customer nor the guaranty of a half dozen matrons in the neighborhood will be deemed sufficient. Before the merchant will buy a ship, he must see her register, and ascertain from inspectors, builders and owners, if she is every way sound and seaworthy; he will not be satisfied with a new coat of paint, and a flowing pennant