A TOO MODEST EMPRESS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 466, 26 April 1890, Page 6

A TOO MODEST EMPRESS.

The death of Dr. Botkine at Mentone has caused regret at St. Petersburg. The doctor was the most eminent medical authority of the Empire, and his reputation was of an international nature. He was the favourite physician of the lato Czarina, over whom he acquired the most extraordinary influence. A curious story is told of the circumstances which led to his appointment at Court, The Empress, besides being afflicted with consumption, was suffering from disease of the bearb. Like many other invalids, she was for ever convinced that the physicians in attendance failed to understand her case—a state of things due rather to the extraordinary modesty of her Majesty than to any ignorance on the part of the doctor. For she was so devout and so extremely pious that she could nob be prevailed upon to permit them to examine her chesb

In the Ordinary Manner. Dr. Botkine came,and created a most favourable impression upon her Majesty until the moment when he asked her to remove the bodice of her dress in order to enable him to examine her chest. She at ouce refused.

* If your Majesty declines, 1 must refuse either to advise or prescribe,’ replied Botkine, with great dignity. ‘lt is impossible for anyone to diagnose the case without a thorough examination.’ And before the astonished Empress could utter a word he began bowing himself out and backed himself almost into the arms of Alexander 11., who was just entering. Having heard from the ladies in the ante-chamber that a doctor was with his wife, the Czar asked cheerily of Dr. Botkine how he found the Empress, and then perceiving the latter’s

Disconcerted Look, inquired what had happened. The young doctor explained. Her husband, however, induced the Czarina to submit to the examination. The remedies subsequently administered by the young physician afforded much relief to tho Imperial patient, and from that time forth Dr. Bobkine’s fortune and fame were made. The Empress would allowing one else to attend her, and he remained with her until her death at Nice. Subsequently he set up in private practice, although still retaining his Court appointment, and the favour of the Imperial family. His usual fee for a consultation was 100 roubles. One day he was visited by Prince Demidoff, who was as mean and avaricious as he was rich. After having prescribed the necessary remedies Dr. Botkine noticed that Prince Demidoff had extracted two five-rouble notes from his purse, and that he was about to tender tnem in payment of the consultation. ‘ Thanks, no, nothing at all, my dear prince,’ he exclaimed in the most kindly and even affectionate manner. ‘ You ought to know that I never accept any fee from the poor.’