Human Medicine

People have been healing other people ever since people began. As time went on however, medicine has become dehumanized to the point that it no longer treats causes but mearly manages symptoms. To wit:

********** THEN

Man arrives at hut posessed with spirits from evil stick which causes man to hit himself in the head. I put on evil spirit mask, dance, sing, twist and shout. In ensuing confusion, I grab stick and burn it, releasing evil spirits. Man says head still hurts. I give man magic stone. I say,

"Put stone over sore spots on head and it will slowly draw away the pain."

Man recovers. I get thanks, a chicken and the affection of his twelve year old daughter who eventually gives birth to many strong warriors.

******** NOW

I see HMO member A-5602 @ 9:46 AM. Patient sufers cranial contusions caused by repeated collisions with a heavy object. I administer the latest anti-inflamitory analgesic prescription for hammer syndrome. I say,

"Take two of these and call me in the morning."

Pain decreases, though man eventually requires larger hat size.

I get paid.

Eventually.

- that's the way it is,

Roger L. Sieloff