A Case of Need

by Michael Crichton

I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients, according to my judgment and ability, and never do harm to anyone. To please no one will I prescribe a deadly drug, nor give advice which may cause his death. Nor will I give a woman a pessary to procure abortion. But I will preserve the purity of my life and my art … —FROM THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH DEMANDED OF THE YOUNG PHYSICIAN ABOUT TO ENTER UPON THE PRACTICE OF HIS PROFESSION. There is no moral obligation to conserve DNA. —GARRETT HARDIN Contents Monday, October 10 One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Tuesday, October 11 One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Wednesday, October 12 One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Thursday, October 13 One Two Three Four Five Six Friday-Sunday, October 14-16 One Postscript: Monday, October 17 Appendix I: Delicatessen Pathologists Appendix II: Cops and Doctors Appendix III: Battlefields and Barberpoles Appendix IV: Abbreviations Appendix V: Whites Appendix VI: Arguments on Abortion Appendix VII: Medical Morals A Biography of Michael Crichton Monday October 10 One ALL HEART SURGEONS ARE BASTARDS, and Conway is no exception. He came storming into the path lab at 8:30 in the morning, still wearing his green surgical gown and cap, and he was furious. When Conway is mad he clenches his teeth and speaks through them in a flat monotone. His face turns red, with purple blotches at the temples. “Morons,” Conway hissed, “goddamned mo...

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