Page:Quackery Unmasked.djvu/248

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244
QUACKERY UNMASKED.

a second or third physician is called, and confirms the diagnosis of the first; but his officious neighbors will never let him alone—they assure him that there must be some "bone out," and advise him by all means to send for one of the "natural bone-setters," lest by trusting educated surgeons he should become a cripple for life. Some one of this family of doctors is brought, and the neighbors of all ages, sexes and conditions are soon collected to witness the performance. The doctor is sure to find one or more bones out. When he has made sufficient preparation, he seizes the limb of his patient, pulls and twists it in all manner of ways, until the anxious bystanders hear it snap and crack, and the patient is fully satisfied that enough has been done. He is now told that all is right, and that he can and must walk; he makes the attempt, and finds he can. The Bone-setter exults in his achievement, and all the bystanders vouch for the skilful performance of the wonderful operation. "All the physicians about," say they, "were called, but none of them knew that any bone was out; Dr. Sweet set six or eight in the foot, or