Which Contains Some Valuable Hints In Relation To The Management Of A Sick Chamber

By measured degrees the mysterious stranger slowly regained his strength, if not his wits. In truth, his recovery  - much aided by the hourly ministrations of the landlady of the Dragon - would have been swifter had it not been for the daily visits of the apothecary, who, fearing the usurpation of his medical authority by the blacksmith, went to great pains (all of which were keenly felt by the unfortunate subject of his care) to assert his supremacy. In his desire to demonstrate the breadth of his knowledge in the field, the chemist in no short order practised bloodletting, cupping, plastering and purging; recommended hot baths and cold baths; advocated mesmerism and galvanism; forbade the consumption of green beans and cabbage; and prescibed no small number of tonics and elixirs, all of which could be purchased by the ounce at his own humble shop. When the patient was at last strong enough to leave his bed and take the air, those who had assembled in the bar to toast his recovery remarked that it was indeed a miracle to see him on his feet again, in which observation they were not very much mistaken.