MOTOR-CARS FOR DOCTORS
Motor-cars will before long be used by all doctors whose practices involve much road travel. The question of cost is the important one. Space does not permit of this being dealt with here, but the question was very fully discussed in a nine-page article which appeared in the 'Autocar' of October 7, 1899, p. 888, and to a smaller degree in the same issue on p. 907; also in the 'Autocar' of October 14, 1899, p. 921, and December 8, 1900, p. 1189.
Many doctors who use motors have joined the Automobile Club, and these are always willing to give information to their fellow-members.
SECOND-HAND CARS
I do not advise the purchase of a second-hand car, but if it is considered necessary to effect a very doubtful economy I urge attention to the following points:—
(1) Pay no attention to paint, varnish, and upholstery. These things cost a few pounds only, and often hide a multitude of defects.
(2) Insist on a whole day's trial on a hilly road.
(3) Let the engine be taken to pieces after the trial, to ascertain condition of cylinders, gear, and bearings. Should the cylinders prove to have been heated on any occasion drop the idea of purchasing the car. Cylinders are often covered with aluminium paint to hide this fatal defect.
(4) See that the axles are straight and that the four wheels run true and parallel.
(5) Ascertain number and type of engine, and write to manufacturers for real date of issue.
(6) In buying a second-hand electric car look carefully to the state of the batteries. Batteries, like petrol engines, can be 'faked.' Let batteries be discharged through a recording voltmeter and amperemeter, and see that the amperage of
