Dr. Owens-Adair : some of her life experiences.

  • Owens-Adair, Bethenia, 1840-1926.
Date:
[1906?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Dr. Owens-Adair : some of her life experiences. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University Libraries/Information Services, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University.

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    Let me tell you my experience of twenty-four years ago. I had a hysterical patient in South Portland, who gave me a good deal of worry. One bright morning my reception- room was well filled with ladies, and I was rushing to get through. I heard the office girl say: The doctor will be out in a few minutes, But a man's voice replied: I must see her at once. I stepped to the door. The husband of the aforesaid patient said: 'T fear my wife is dying; you must come at once. I replied: ^'Oh, no, she is not dying. He exclaimed: ''You must come at once, or I will get another doctor. Well, I said, go and bring my rig. He was back all too soon. Now, how many of you ladies can wait till I get back ? I'll not be long, I said; and to the man: Get in the buggy, and be all ready, so I will not be detained. I finished with the last hurry patient, and, seizing my case, I rushed downstairs and sprang in, and taking the reins I said Go to my good horse, Frank, wRo was al- ways ready to obey that order. Just beyond First street bridge I saw two of my sisters coming. When they saw me, they rushed to the curb, and as I saw they were in great distress I stopped, saying: What is the matter? One of them said: Where is your hat? I said Go to my horse, and turning to the man at my side I asked: Why didn't you tell me I was bareheaded? The distressed expression on his face as he was holding on to prevent being thrown out by my reckless driving brought the ludicrous side of the picture to view, and I laughed till we reached our destination. I found my patient not dead, gave her a good dope and left her medicine to be taken every ten minutes till relieved, borrowed an old hat to save my reputation, and rushed back to my office. I expected to receive a free advertisement the next day, but