is that he instinctively takes care not to get ahead of them.
That is why all the changes come from the laity. It was not until
an agitation had been conducted for many years by laymen,
including quacks and faddists of all kinds, that the public was
sufficiently impressed to make it possible for the doctors to
open their minds and their mouths on the subject of fresh air,
cold water, temperance, and the rest of the new fashions in
hygiene. At present the tables have been turned on many old
prejudices. Plenty of our most popular elderly doctors believe
that cold tubs in the morning are unnatural, exhausting, and
rheumatic; that fresh air is a fad and that everybody is the
better for a glass or two of port wine every day; but they no
longer dare say as much until they know exactly where they are;
for many very desirable patients in country houses have lately
been persuaded that their first duty is to get up at six in the
morning and begin the day by taking a walk barefoot through the
dewy grass. He who shows the least scepticism as to this practice
is at once suspected of being "an old-fashioned doctor," and
dismissed to make room for a younger man.

In short, private medical practice is governed not by science but
by supply and demand; and however scientific a treatment may be,
it cannot hold its place in the market if there is no demand for
it; nor can the grossest quackery be kept off the market if there
is a demand for it.


FASHIONS AND EPIDEMICS

A demand, however, can be inculcated. This is thoroughly