1900: You are weak and itchy
Examination
- I understand you are weak, itchy, and nauseous. Go to the lavatory and leave a urine sample in the cup that's on the sink.
Diagnosis
- Twenty minutes later...
I ran a test on your urine. When I heated it over a flame, it became nearly solid. This tells me that albumen, a constituent of the blood, is very abundant in the urine. Now a small amount of albumen is normal; a large amount is an indication of Bright's disease, a disorder of the kidneys.
Treatment
- We need to lessen the burden on your kidneys. First, you'll need to take a daily alkaline-sponge bath with vigorous friction. I am also going to prescribe Virginia snake-root, which you should take in teaspoonful doses. We can further relieve the kidneys though leeching, mustard-poultices, and croton oil. All indigestible foods, such as coffee, pastries, new bread, and fats must be avoided.
Prognosis
- one month later...
So you want the truth. Well, there's nothing else that can be done. It's just a matter of time before you pass away. I suggest you make all the necessary arrangements.
Start Over | 1900 | 1950 | 1998