THE EXPERIENCE OF A MEDICAL MAN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 688, 25 June 1875, Page 4

THE EXPERIENCE OF A MEDICAL MAN.

—o— I became acquainted with H. M. In the wards of St Barnabas, a young man who was by profession a prize-fighter, and who had come into the hospital with a dislocated knee, the consequence of kicking, violently and without duo calculation of distance, at a personal friend with whom he bad had a disagreement at a public-house. His habits had been very much the reverse of temperate, and tbo ease which at first seemed simple enough, soon assumed a poct; after many weeks of almost incessant suffering, it became necessary that the poor fellow should lose his leg by amputation, if he would preserve his life. The lopping of this limb was to him an especial grief, inasmuch as, next to losing one of his “mauleys,” it was the saddest thing that, to one of his calling, could possibly happen. His occupation ns “ a favorite of the public,” “a pet of the fancy,” would, of course, bo’gono for over, and no other lino was open to him, since tho talents of a prize-fighter, however rare and valuable in themselves, so far from being of universal application, aro an absolute hindrance to success in almost every other walk of life, There was, indeed, about as bad a kok-out for poor 11. M., when he was called into St Barnabas’ theatre to bo acted upon, one April morning, as can bo conceived. Still, thd bravo young follow never winced or grumbled ; he made his bow to tho great semicircle of students —tho rows of unfamiliar faces that reached from floor to roof—as though they were his ancient patrons of the ring. There was no chloroform in those days ; but he looked on at all tho proceedings that concerned him without one twitch of tho mouth or knitting of tho brow's ; and when the thing was’ovcr, and that limb, which he had been so long accustomed to consider his own, became tho property of the scientific gentlemen around him, ho said, “ I thank you, gentlemen,” and wished them joy of their acquisition. I confess that, in spite of tho disrespectable calling, I had a sincere liking for H. M., and pity for his misfortune ; and as one of the dressers in his ward at that time, I had opportunities, occasionally, of doing him a little kindness, and-speaking an encouraging word. We struck up quite a friendship, founded upon the basis of mutual respect, but I feel bound to admit, without any great mixture of sentiment. He confided to me several particulars concerning [the fancy and its patrons, which are not generally known, but which the same honorable feelings that kept me silent with regard to the delinquencies of A. 8., prevent mo from here disclosing. When the day came for tho yoring prize-fighter to depart—with the exception of his left leg— from St Barnabas, he addressed mo in these terms :

“ Doctor, you have been a regular stunner to mo all along since 1 have been here, and no mistake ; 1 should be sorry to leave this -bore hospital without letting you know what I think about it. Most like, you imagined that a poor chap such as me had nothing to give you in return—which only makes it the more hrickish— hut I am not so had off as I seem, doctor, by no manner of means."

This was exceedingly gratifying to me, and even very exciting. I was trying to recall to my mind some of those instances which I had hoard or read of concerning millionaires in the guise of scavengers, angels under the earthly form of crossing sweepers, who have been, as Mr Lamb says, “entertainedunawares” by benevolent surgeons and others and pondering whether H. M.’s fortune was more likely to bo in the funds or in railway-shares, -when that grateful young man resumed as follows : “Here,” cried he, drawing a coin or modal, wrapped up in whity-brown paper, from his breast-pocket—“hero is, if not money, at least money’s worth : to one in your station and with your opportunities, sir, a matter of—ah—a pound a week for life, at tho very least. Even in my humble walk, it has been a pretty penny to me already.”

“Why, my good man,” cried T, in unaffected disappointment at tho discovery, •“ this is only a half-penny !” “ Only a half-penny!” repeated IT. M. with a delighted chuckle, as ho hobbled away on his crutches in order ’to preclude any thanks for his generous behaviour. “ That’s what you'll ho trying to persuade other folks to believe before the day is out. It is only a half-penny ; hut it is a halfpenny xoith a couple of tails upon it !” 11. M. opined—so little docs one-half of the world guess how the other half lives—that the respectable profession of medicine demeaned itself like his own by the practice of tossing for half-crowns ; and, scrionly, if tilings continue as they are much longer with mo, I tinuk I shall try my luck with that headless half-penny, the only pecuniary fee I have ever received.

Science and Art. —A striking instance of tho immense value a small piece ot stool may acquire by tho groat power of skilled mechanical labor, is tho balance spring ot a watch. From its extreme fineness and delicacy four thousand weigh not more than one ounce, and exceed iu value £IOOO. A most interesting little work, describing the rise and progress of watchmaking, has been published by J. W. Benson, of 23, Old Bond street, and the City Steam Factory, 58 and GO, Ludgate hill, London. The Book, which is profusely illustrated, gives a full description of tho various kinds of watches and clocks, with their prices. Mr Benson, Who holds the appointment to. tho Prince of Wales, has published a pamphlet on Artistic Gold Jewellery, illustrated with Beautiful designs of Bracelets, Brooches, Ear-rings, Lockets, &c., suitable for wedding, birthday, and other presents. Illustrated . catalogues sent post free for two stamps each, and they cannot be too strongly recommended to those contemplating a purchase, especially to residents of the country or abroad, who are thus enabled to select any article they may require, and have it forwarded with perfect safety.