An Ounce of Cure

"An Ounce of Cure" by Alan Edward Nourse is a satirical short story written during the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the complexities and absurdities of modern medicine and the various specialties that exist within it. Through the experience of a middle-aged man, the story critiques the healthcare system’s tendency to treat symptoms while failing to address the root causes of health issues. The plot follows James Wheatley, a 55-year-old man who visits a doctor due to a pain in his little toe. What starts as a simple issue quickly spirals into a convoluted journey through various medical specialists, highlighting the fragmented nature of healthcare. Each doctor Wheatley encounters insists on passing him along to another specialist, making his condition more complex and overwhelming. Ultimately, the story illustrates the often humorous yet frustrating experience patients face when navigating the medical system, culminating in Wheatley’s realization that his toe pain has become a secondary concern amidst a plethora of unnecessary tests and consultations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alan Edward Nourse was an American science fiction writer and physician. He wrote both juvenile and adult science fiction, as well as nonfiction works about medicine and science. His SF works sometimes focused on medicine and/or psionics.