Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2009

"Where does it hurt, honey? We will get you better"
Upon checking in at Peninsula Hospital, Burlingame with
good insurance,ca.1970s. Former patients had been Bing Crosby and Shirley
Temple Black. The resulting back surgery was a great success.

"Have you been on the piss?" Army Medical orderly,
looking the thermometer registering 103F.
The later diagnosis was Dengue fever.

"Use the bedpan my lad and you will get a piece of chocolate.
If you don't, it will be a dose of cascara"
Matron at Ladywell Isolation Hospital, ca.1936.
Diptheria made for a six weeks stay,