‘There lies a great difference between textbook medicine and the world of a practising physician.’ Discuss.

Textbook provides specific medicines for the treatment of different diseases. But the reality is stranger than fiction. Therefore, there lies a great difference between textbook medicine and the world of a practising physician. A practising physician has to deal with all kinds of situations. Sometimes the textbook medicines and treatments don’t click. Every doctor has to decide each case on merit. This is exactly what happens with Andrew Manson. He acts not strictly according to the textbook but acts instinctively. The results are wonderful. He saves first the mother and then the child who was considered to be dead.

Andrew Manson has to make a choice. He is torn between his desire to ‘resuscitate the child’ and his obligation toward the mother. No textbook can come to his help. The dilemma is very urgent. He acts blindly and instinctively. He acts on the spur of the moment. He plunges the child into the basins of icy and hot water. The method clicks. A miracle is performed when the almost stillborn child starts gasping and crying.