Forthwith, he subjected the patient to a prolonged auscultation.

And he murmured: "I hear nothing--I hear nothing." Then, correcting himself, he added: "At least I hear scarcely anything." Finally he turned towards the five-and-twenty or thirty doctors who were assembled there in silence.

"Will some of you gentlemen," he asked, "kindly lend me the help of your science?
We are here to study and discuss these questions." At first nobody stirred.

Then there was one who ventured to come forward and, in his turn subject the patient to auscultation.

But instead of declaring himself, he continued reflecting, shaking his head anxiously.
At last he stammered that in his opinion one must await further developments.