Page:The Art of Cross-Examination.djvu/78

 and Hartford R. R. thirty-five years, for the New York Central R. R. forty years, for the New York and Harlem River R.R. twenty years, for the Erie R. R. fifteen years, and so on until the doctor was forced to admit that he was so much in court as a witness in defence of these various railroads, and was so occupied with their affairs that he had but comparatively little time to devote to his reading and private practice.

Counsel (perfectly quietly). "Are you able to give us, doctor, the name of any medical authority that agrees with you when you say that the particular group of symptoms existing in this case points to one disease and one only?"

Doctor. "Oh, yes, Dr. Erskine agrees with me."

Counsel. "Who is Dr. Erskine, if you please?"

Doctor (with a patronizing smile). "Well, Mr., Erskine was probably one of the most famous surgeons that England has ever produced." (There was a titter in the audience at the expense of counsel.)

Counsel. "What book has he written?"

Doctor (still smiling). "He has written a book called 'Erskine on the Spine,' which is altogether the best known work on the subject." (The titter among the audience grew louder.)

Counsel. "When was this book published?"

Doctor. "About ten years ago."

Counsel. "Well, how is it that a man whose time is so much occupied as you have told us yours is, has