Dr. William Osler is always exceedingly precise in his directions to
patients. He relates an experience which a brother practitioner once had
which illustrates the dangers of lack of precision.
A young man one day visited this doctor and described a common malady that
had befallen him.
"The thing for you to do," the physician said, "is to drink hot water an
hour before breakfast every morning."
The patient took his leave, and in a week returned.
"Well, how are you feeling?" the physician asked.
"Worse, doctor; worse, if anything," was the reply.
"Ah! Did you follow my advice and drink hot water an hour before
breakfast?"
"I did my best, sir," said the young man, "but I couldn't keep it up
more'n ten minutes at a stretch."--_Woman's Home Companion._