THE ART OF CROSS-EXAMINATION
Doctor. "Yes, sir, that is so."
Counsel. "You do not even claim to be an experienced surgeon?"
Doctor. "Oh, no, sir. I have the experience of any general practitioner."
Counsel. "What would be the surgical name for the particular form of fracture that this lady suffered?"
Doctor. "What is known as a 'Potts fracture of the ankle.'"
Counsel. "That is a well-recognized form of fracture, is it not?"
Doctor. "Oh, yes."
Counsel (chancing it). "Would you mind telling the jury about when you had a fracture of this nature in your regular practice, the last before this one?"
Doctor (dodging). "I should not feel at liberty to disclose the names of my patients."
Counsel (encouraged). "I am not asking for names and secrets of patients—far from it. I am only asking for the date, doctor; but on your oath."
Doctor. "I couldn't possibly give you the date, sir."
Counsel (still feeling his way). "Was it within the year preceding this one?"
Doctor (hesitating). "I would not like to say, sir."
Counsel (still more encouraged). "I am sorry to press you, sir; but I am obliged to demand a positive answer from you whether or not you had had a similar case of 'Potts fracture of the ankle' the year preceding this one?"
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