He replied, with some reason, that a commission would never suffice for such gigantic labour.

Just think of it! A thousand patients to examine in a single morning! And how many different theories there would be, how many contrary diagnoses, how many endless discussions, all of a nature to increase the general uncertainty! The preliminary examination of the patients, which was almost always impossible, would, even if attempted, leave the door open for as many errors as the present system.

In practice, it was necessary to remain content with the certificates delivered by the medical men who had been in attendance on the patients, and these certificates accordingly acquired capital, decisive importance.

Doctor Bonamy ran through the documents lying on one of the tables and gave the Paris journalist some of these certificates to read.

A great many of them unfortunately were very brief.