A Japanese Doctor and His Works: Personal and Historic Memoranda

ON the first day of this year — our New Year, not the Japanese — I had the rare satisfaction of assisting at an event which, although heralded with no pomp, encumbered with no forms, and distinguished by familiar festivity rather than the vigorous ceremony usually employed in the East to celebrate any occasion of especial interest or importance, nevertheless afforded a proof of intelligent progress far in advance of any that I have yet encountered, excepting only the reorganized establishment of the great educative institution of Yedo (Dai Gaku), notwithstanding that such proofs are day by day revealing themselves with singular rapidity to those whose eyes are sufficiently clear to discern them. This was the inauguration of a new hospital, the first private establishment of the kind in Japan, under the direction of the accomplished Dr. Matsumoto, whose name is perhaps more eminent in science than that of any other native physician, is closely identified with the stirring politics of the last few years, and has a social, and in one sense at least an artistic, popularity second to that of no individual in the Empire. The opening had been long talked of. Among educated Japanese it was a topic of much curiosity and vivid expectation, and the opportunity of participating in its various incidents was eagerly sought by all. Some two or three hundred succeeded in obtaining invitations, of which they availed themselves in the most comprehensive manner, many bringing troops of friends with them to swell the throng of the clever doctor’s admirers. Some pains had been taken to inform such foreigners as might be supposed to have an interest in the novel proceedings that their presence would be heartily welcomed. Two responded, in the cordial spirit of the summons. If others appeared upon the scene, it was briefly, and by accident. To have looked for a larger number would perhaps have been to expect too much. Had the announcement been that of a brilliant review, with fuliginous sham-fights and other lurid accompaniments, in which the new capacities of the Japanese for inflicting destruction upon one another were to be developed, the case would have been different. Reviews and sham-fights are suggestive of many things which acutely appeal to the trading mind, — and that is the only mind worth speaking of which the foreign community in Japan possesses. Guns, uniforms, and ammunition are articles which offer limitless chances for profitable, if not strictly upright, contracts. The possibility of traffic in surgical instruments presents no such allurement; and speculations in medicines are trammelled by the disagreeable necessity of supplying honest wares. It appears that the Japanese are keener in detecting worthless drugs than in tracing the history of condemned and partially repaired weapons. In fact, the opening of a hospital is an incident which promises nothing magnificent in the way of what, in a happy local slang, is here called “squeezing.” Of course it failed to attract notice. On any other grounds than those of commercial interest, foreigners are not bound to give a thought to Japanese enterprises, however worthy or ambitious they may be. But since I was fortunate enough to be one of the couple present on this occasion, — and I own I was somewhat surprised, on arriving alone, to meet another there, but delighted to find him a fellow-countryman, — I take pleasure in endeavoring to make you at a distance, where the thrifty and contracted influences of Yokohama and kindred settlements may not altogether prevail, acquainted with a talented and representative Japanese, with a few of his excellent public works, and with this his last achievement.

For a considerable time I had been accustomed to see Dr. Matsumoto in various parts of Yedo, before I was presented to him, or indeed knew his name. But it was always evident from the observation he attracted, and from a sort of deference spontaneously accorded to him, that he was a person of some distinction. I first personally encountered him at a very agreeable social gathering, partly native, partly foreign, where, for certain political reasons which need not be explained, his name was concealed. Here he appeared only as a master of fluent and lively conversation, a shrewd inquirer, and a tolerably sound logician upon intricate questions of the domestic and foreign relations of Eastern countries. At a later period I knew him in the character most natural to him, and in which he has gained his chief reputation,— that of a quick-witted and thoroughly skilful physician, with large designs, and with a will and a courage to execute them ; with aspirations, too, not wholly confined to the healing of his fellow-men, but also looking to the wholesome restoration of his distracted land. As an enthusiast in his vocation, or as a theoretic framer of future Japanese history, he appears, perhaps unconsciously, in his best light, and reveals his finest qualities. His animation, his fluency, and the easy grace of his address are always sure to captivate the attention even of those whose knowledge of his language is imperfect. His personal aspect is by no means uninteresting. He is about thirty-five years of age, full of vigor and activity, in stature slightly superior to most of his countrymen, and in physical proportion, too, rather above the average of his race. His head is of the best Mongol type, but with an unusually ample brow, and with a massive chin and jaw betokening unusual energy and resolution. His eyes are small for a Japanese, but alert and bright, and, in moments of excitement, apt to flash and glow in a manner which does much to explain the influence he wields over his associates. His costume is Japanese throughout, excepting that he declines to wear swords, and, like most of the present generation of doctors, dresses his hair in foreign style. It is unnecessary to say that his demeanor is the refinement of courtesy and high-breeding. He would be a singular exception to the rule among his countrymen if it were otherwise. That, as clearly as I can present him to you, is the man. Let us now look briefly at some of his deeds.

The arts and sciences are apt to run in families here. Physicians, especially, are accustomed to hand down their heritage of learning from generation to generation. Matsumoto’s father was a doctor, and not without renown, in the old régime of practitioners. At least it is not recorded that he dealt more destruction in his career than the majority of his colleagues. This son was his natural and destined successor. But at a very early period the young student detected the insufficiency of the medical methods pursued by his predecessors, and, abandoning the cherished systems of his ancestors, struck boldly into the new paths first opened by the Dutch physicians at Nagasaki, and afterward broadened by fresh-coming teachers from other foreign nations. He was not satisfied to work alone. Before he was twenty-five years old he had attached to himself a numerous body of disciples, and had, by his exertions at the Southwest and in the capital, virtually overthrown the ancient theories of practice, chiefly based upon those of China, and had fairly introduced the American and European schools. At his suggestion a government hospital was established at Nagasaki, and placed under his command, in which patients were treated and pupils were trained according to the new principles. His rising reputation was greatly increased by his success in checking the ravages of the cholera, of 1859, which threatened for a time to devastate the land. In order more fully to perfect himself in various branches of surgical science he visited Holland, and studied for a considerable time, and on his return established himself at Yedo, where it appears he entered warmly into the active political excitements of the day. The great question, at that time, was that of the succession to the office of Tycoon. H’tots’bashi, who afterward came to power (and subsequently to grief), was an unsuccessful aspirant, and to him and his fortunes the young doctor ardently devoted himself. We may believe that the alliance between these two intelligent men was very close, in sympathy at least, for the position soon after held by Matsumoto, and the reforms he was able to accomplish, could only have been brought about by a strong degree of personal influence. Upon H’tots'bashi’s accession, in 1867, he was appointed chief physician to the court, with powers which placed in his hands the general control of all the medical colleges in the Empire. His functions, however, though nominally scientific, rapidly assumed a much wider range. Himself a thorough republican, he actually succeeded, in this nation of autocracy and feudalism, in swaying the mind of the government, or its head, in the direction of liberal, beneficent, and comprehensive reforms.¹ Many radial public changes were devised, and many private reparations of long-standing wrong were effected, during the short term of the progressive young Tycoon’s administration. Most of the former still remain in embryo ; of the latter I shall presently relate a striking and, I think you will admit, a most interesting example. Matsumoto’s opportunity was soon at an end. Within a few months the dynasty of Iyeyas was overthrown, the family of the Tycoon reduced to the rank of the daimios, and H’tots’bashi deprived of the leadership of even his own clan. In the

civil war that ensued, Matsumoto’s defiant attitude made him a conspicuous object of persecution, and he was more than once apprehended and his life imperilled ; but he escaped in good time to the North, where he remained until peace, or what passed for peace, was restored. The first measures of the new government were conciliatory. Our doctor was offered an exalted position near the Mikado, at Yedo ; but he peremptorily refused it, declaring that, as he had once been held as a prisoner by the party in power, he could not reconcile himself to any free association with it. If I know of any deeper motives for his contumacy, I certainly am not going to reveal them just now. At any rate, he chose fidelity to the memory of his chieftain’s former state, rather than affiliation with the temporarily revived glories of the imperial court. Setting aside all sentiment, there might perhaps have been sufficiently sound practical reasons for this course. The Tokugawa family, of which the Tycoons were the head, still comprised four of the wealthiest and most powerful clans in Japan, whose united revenues equalled in value those of any other three houses combined. It was not likely that a devoted adherent would be suffered to undergo any serious embarrassment in the present, let alone the luminous prospects that the political future might afford. As far as his personal needs were concerned, his practice could provide for those. For assistance in his contemplated plans for hospital reform he could more hopefully turn to his prosperous patrons than to a feeble and poverty-fettered administration. He wanted, besides, entire freedom of action in his first experiment. While recognizing many merits in the hospitals controlled and supported by the government, he saw the way to improvements which he wished to initiate according to his own convictions. His purpose being known, more than one capitalist came forward to assist him. An estate in Waseda, one of the suburbs of Yedo, was secured, and the establishment was founded which I have endeavored to introduce with due historical precaution, and toward which I now propose to lead the way without further circumlocution.

There is nothing more exhilarating than a fine winter morning in this part of Japan. The weather is never severely cold, the atmosphere is the clearest in the world, and the sky is softer and brighter than Italy or New England can boast. This very Sunday, January 1, 1871, is an admirable example. The roads are in capital condition and our ponies are sufficiently lively. Apart from the circumstance that to some of us it is a perpetual delight simply to be here, in this strange and fascinating land, the surroundings are such as cannot fail to appeal to even an indifferent observer. What could be more picturesque than these long avenues of quaint Oriental architecture, these broad and shining moats, and these massive castle walls ? What more animating than the busy throngs which agitate the thoroughfares on all sides, — farmers bearing their produce ; laborers shouting and singing at their toil; lofty potentates, compactly folded in their norimonos, and refulgent in dazzling silks ; merchants with their wives and pretty daughters, smilingly inviting an inspection of their wares ; and children of every age and iridian raiment sprinkled about with a profusion which seems to give effective contradiction to the theory that the population of these islands is steadily decreasing ? What more enchanting than the rich and varied scenery ; before us an endless succession of pine-tufted hills and luxuriant valleys ; upon one side the Bay of Yedo flashing in the sunlight, and upon the other the swelling mountain-ranges of Hakone, crowned by the towering peak of Fuzi-yama, whose snow-crusted cone gleams and sparkles like a gigantic prism ? The beauty of the view is almost uninterrupted during the whole of your morning ride, and indeed the road from the foreign quarter of Yedo to Waseda is one of the pleasantest that a connoisseur could select. The distance is about eight miles, — a trifle in this city of incalculable dimensions. First crossing the populous and thriving quarter of which the Tokaido is the great artery, we enter the heavy double-gates of the first wall, and traverse the tranquil regions formerly occupied by the wealthier daimios, but now, for the most part, sinking into decay. Here, however, a few of the Southern lords, like Satsuma and Chosia, retain a portion of their former state, and the winding trains of their high retainers may here and there be seen on their way to the interior enclosures, — perhaps to the house of Parliament. Presently we also penetrate another barrier, and, once within this last of the great concentric walls, there is nothing between us and the grounds of his Imperial Mystery, the Mikado, but a light picket fence and a bamboo hedge. It is an interesting fact that the poorest peasant is here as free to wander through all the avenues of the castle — excepting, of course, those of the private gardens immediately surrounding the sovereign’s residence — as, for example, was any citizen of Paris to cross the Tuileries during the recent French despotism. The castle of Yedo is, in fact, a public thoroughfare. After passing a mile or two along roads thickly shaded with bamboo and huge pines, and skirted with moats the surfaces of which can hardly be seen for the myriads of aquatic fowl which cluster together upon them, we emerge again, and strike into the heart of another crowded quarter, in which artisans and mechanics most abound. Everything here, so far as the natives are concerned, is merry and mirth-inspiring. It is true that now and then we encounter a foreigner who stops the way of our good-nature ; one from whose person knives and pistols of various deadly capacities protrude, whose belt is an arsenal, and whose pockets are magazines; and whose countenance wears that fantasr tic and complicated expression of mingled insolence and trepidation which distinguishes the average stranger in Yedo ; or another who deems it expedient and tasteful to proclaim his pluck by whirling a vicious whip-lash about him as he rides, enjoying the panic of startled women and children, and fancying himself at once a hero and a pioneer of civilization. But these, to-day, are comparatively few ; and as the Japanese overlook their vagaries with an amiable pity, we also may rid our minds of the annoyances they inspire. For two miles farther the orderly confusion of traffic is unceasing, then market-gardens begin to intersect the blocks of dwelling-houses and ricefields border the canals and natural streams. The vast city assumes more of the aspect of a flourishing countrytown, into one of the more secluded lanes of which we sharply turn, and, moving for a quarter of a mile under arches and festoons of bamboos and vines, arrive before a modest gateway around which a crowd of horses with their attendant grooms and scores of “jin-riki-sha,” ² a two-wheeled hand vehicle which is now the popular and fashionable conveyance of Yedo, announce that our destination is reached. It is evident that the place has been selected with a view to artistic as well as sanitary considerations. I believe that it was formerly a favorite suburban residence of the regent Iyi Kamon, whose assassination, in 1859, created such consternation among the chiefs of the Japanese embassy then in the United States. It subsequently became the property of the daimio of Takamatzu, from whom it was purchased or leased for its present purpose. Like most of the yas’kis in and about Yedo, it is ingeniously and tastefully arranged throughout, every detail of the interior being dexterously wrought into some form of grace and beauty. The gardens are profusely decorated with artificial ponds, rivulets, mounds, and miniature groves ; and although the actual enclosure may not occupy more than a dozen or fifteen acres, a labyrinthine promenade of miles has been supplied. A healthier situation could not be found in this vicinity. The buildings originally erected have been devoted to the uses of various branches of the doctor’s family, his assistants, and his corps of students. For the hospital itself a new two-story house has been built; at the door of which the host now stands, waiting to welcome us with all the pleasant forms of Japanese greeting.

I have been speaking in the plural number, considerate reader, only in the familiar and fanciful supposition that you are with me on this expedition,— as, for your sake, I sincerely wish you were. If you chain me down to literal truth, I admit that I am alone, a solitary horseman of the G. P. R. James pattern. At the threshold of the new edifice I am (or, if I may continue the agreeable illusion, we are) confronted by a dreadful alternative. Etiquette, and cleanliness as well, demand that the casings of foreign feet shall be removed before entering a Japanese dwelling. The neatness of their mats is always so daintilypreserved by themselves, that even our less scrupulous instincts shrink from the idea of polluting them by dust or mud-stains. But in this instance a particular difficulty presents itself. The building is new, the walls are damp, and the freshly scoured passages have not yet had time to dry. Accustomed to liberal protection, our unshod feet would be too sensitive to these various rheumatic influences. Whilst we hesitate Matsumoto decides for us. He summons domestics, who, at his direction, proceed to polish our extremities with straw, and to render our soles a trifle less arable. He insists that we are not to think of exposing ourselves. As becomes us, under the circumstances, although inwardly delighted, we strenuously protest. He overrules us with a conclusive gesture. We,

“ Vowing we will ne’er consent, consent,”

follow him to the inspection of his new domain.

I am not preparing this record for a medical publication, and there is no reason why I should attempt a closely detailed description of the interior. It will be sufficient to say that, although constructed without the slightest assistance in the way of foreign counsel or suggestion, it fulfils in every essential particular the requirements it was designed to meet. The single noticeable detect is the absence of sufficient ground ventilation. In other respects the most rigorous scrutiny could discover no serious errors. It affords abundant accommodation for about one hundred patients, and could, without inconvenience to anybody, contain half as many more, general and private. Cot-beds take the place of the floormats and rugs commonly used in other hospitals of Yedo, The Japanese diet is eschewed, and a more nutritious regimen substituted. An incidental enterprise in support of this particular part of his scheme is thoroughly characteristic of Matsumoto. Finding that for certain maladies, and especially in cases where exhausting surgical operations are required, more vigorous stimulants were needed than the ordinary fish and rice of the Japanese market would afford, and believing that wholesome beer would most rapidly supply the want, but knowing the costly imported article to be beyond the reach of the multitude, he brought down from the North,— as one of the trophies of his exile, we may say, — a vast cargo of hops, established a brewery of his own at Asakusa, producing beer of an excellent quality and at a merely nominal price. It may be readily supposed that this successful experiment has in no degree diminished his popularity either within the hospital or elsewhere. However this may be, patients at his establishment enjoy the comfortable certainty of luxurious quarters, the best attainable food prepared in foreign style by an expert cook, invigorating beer in case of need, which the Japanese constitution indisputably requires upon occasion, and skilful and considerate treatment. And what do you suppose is the payment demanded for all these bountiful provisions ? Precisely two bu’s,— about fiity cents, a day ; barely sufficient to cover the actual current outlay for each inmate. It is understood, of course, that the bulk of the general expenditure is provided for by liberal endowment, from members of Matsumoto’s personal clientele. A proof of the democratic convictions of the man appears in the fact that his tariff is the same for high and low. He refuses to recognize any distinction, within his walls, between an opulent daimio and a plebeian pauper. Nor will he consent to receive special fees from wealthy patients. “ If,” he says, “ any rich man comes here to be cured, and is cured, and feels grateful for it, he may make an endowment of any amount he pleases ; but I will permit no social or pecuniary distinctions among my inmates, for any purpose.”

As we are completing our acquaintance with the institution by a pleasant ramble through the grounds, and wondering if many worse destinies might not befall a man in Japan than that of occupying the position of a chronic invalid in Dr. Matsumoto’s hands, we are summoned to lunch, and marshalled back to the new building, where, during our brief outdoor absence, tables have been spread in every hall and chamber. An overflowing congregation of guests has now assembled. Some of these are persons of high metropolitan distinction. We first catch sight of Dr. Shiba³ an old acquaintance, the director of the great government hospital and school of medicine, who, we are delighted to see, is not deterred by any sentiment of professional rivalry from coming to join in the complimentary demonstration toward his colleague. Clustered around him are great numbers of devoted young students, all engaged in lively discussions, and interchanging scientific opinions in a variety of languages ; most of them having a fair acquaintance with one or more of the European tonoues. On this occasion exalted rank and simple station are harmoniously commingled, —a rare circumstance in Japan, of which I have seen no example in any other place. An extraordinary combination of great wealth and, until recently, degraded caste, in a single individual, is pointed out to us, — a middle-aged man, of gentle and intelligent appearance, simply dressed, but with a noble crest embroidered upon his outer garment, whose countenance lights up at the approach of Matsumoto with a glow of grateful recognition, which at once betrays that some secret sympathy unites them. This, is the King of the Beggars, an historic character in the Empire, with the past few years of whose life a thread of real romance is interwoven, and the emancipation of whose family from a social thraldom of more than two centuries was the very act of Matsumoto which awhile ago I promised to narrate. The story illustrates more than one point of Japanese custom and character.

At the beginning of the sixteenth century, as all readers of Oriental annals are aware, the civil tumults of these islands were terminated by the strong hand of Iyeyas, the first Tycoon of the great Tokugawa house. In remodelling the internal organization of the Empire, he summoned to his councils the most prominent nobles and chieftains of all parties, partly for purposes of consultation, and partly with the intention of meeting their desires, as far as his policy would allow him to do so, in the new disposition of affairs. Among those who thus appeared before him

was the head of a younger branch of the famous Yoritomo family, a descendant of Iyeyas’s predecessor, the first of all the Tycoons. He came reluctantly and contumaciously, resisting every advance of the conqueror with sullen obduracy. On being asked, to what class he wished to attach himself, being offered, indeed, his free choice, he answered that he would belong to no class of which he could not be acknowledged as the master. Incensed at this display of stubborn pride, Iyeyas declared that he should have his will, and straightway decreed that he and his descendants should be “ Kings of the Beggars ” forever, with liberty to wear the insignia of the Yoritomos, and power to claim a percentage of the revenues of beggars throughout the land, but with total deprivation, from that time forth, of all social rank, and of the right to alliance with, or even recognition by, any but the outcast bands of mendicants and their associates. The blow was a heavy one, but nothing could avert it; and for nearly two hundred and fifty years this proscribed family lived on, amassing enormous riches, but shut out from intercourse with all excepting pariahs. Their wealth gradually made them objects of watchful consideration, even among the higher classes, and many a daimio would willingly have sought a matrimonial connection with them, but for the inexorable law of Iyeyas. During the last generation, indeed, one daughter of this house of opulent beggary was said to have been forcibly abducted by a nobleman of high estate, in the hope of thus breaking down the old prejudice ; but nothing came of it. In the early part of Matsumoto’s career, however, his democratic wanderings brought him in contact with the present head of the family. He found him to be a man of culture and ability, not only possessed of the material means of performing good public deeds, but truly anxious to find himself in a position where he might undertake them. To the task of ridding him of his disabilities Matsumoto then addressed himself; and such was his influence with the young prince, H’tots’bashi, that, soon after the latter’s elevation to the dignity of Tycoon, the King of the Beggars was publicly restored to the order of the gentry, and suffered to discard the crown which had so long oppressed him. To estimate the magnitude of such an achievement, it is necessary to understand the unswerving social instinct of the Japanese, the rigors of their system of caste, and their almost superstitious fidelity to tradition. It is easy to see how keenly one individual appreciates it, — the ex-monarch himself. His devotion to his liberator is undying, and his hand is ever open as day in support of the projects of his friend. Of this hospital he is one of the chief patrons.

A banquet in the house of a Japanese gentleman, —at least of one who has made foreign tables his study,— no longer presents any curious or extraordinary features. To discover these you must breakfast or dine with him privately, and en famille. Here, were it not for the loose and graceful raiment of all around us, and the softness of the language, which is more melodious than any ever heard in New York outside of an opera-house, we might fancy ourselves at the familiar corner of Fourteenth Street and Fifth Avenue. The cleverness of the Japanese cooks is remarkable. Not only have they mastered all the accomplishments of their French teachers, but in many instances they have bettered their instruction by combining certain culinary caprices of their own land with the alimentary arts of the nation of a thousand gravies. We find nothing singular in this repast except its excellence, which we acknowledge with a zeal which words alone could not convey, until we are interrupted by a merry cry from without announcing to us all that the minstrels and players have come. What minstrels and players ? Why, Matsumoto’s friends, of course. A man of his broad sympathies is not likely to be without friends in that section of the world of art. And these are especially his friends because, not very long ago, one of their number met with a frightful accident which threatened to wind up not only his public career, but his existence as well. Matsumoto went for him in a frenzy of scientific enthusiasm, took off one leg, and put him on another so neatly that the fellow was at his histrionic games again within three months. For this piece of work the doctor, among other recompenses, was invested with the life-privilege of a private box at the principal theatre of Asakusa, the amusement quarter of Yedo. The comedians had now sent him word that they would not be denied the satisfaction of contributing to the diversions of the day ; and here they are, indeed, in strong force, numerically and intellectually. They have an author among them, as we shall presently see. The lower ward, or hall, having been briskly cleared, we are all invited to descend thither and dispose ourselves about the floor, each individual in such posture as his own ideas of comfort may suggest. And so behold us, compactly grouped, as incongruous a specimen of impromptu human mosaic-work as was ever assembled under a Japanese roof. Dancinggirls, doctors, musicians, noblemen, actors, the abdicated King of the Beggars, artists of various abilities, including Uchida, the famous native photographer, with some of whose clever work it shall not be my fault if New York does not in due time become acquainted, and two highly elated Americans, — a thoroughly happy family.

Before many minutes an ominous silence falls upon the party. A circular space is cleared in the centre of the apartment, into which advances a middle-aged lady escorted by a gentleman of advanced years, bearing a samisen, a three-stringed instrument of a quality and tone somewhat closely resembling the banjo. They kneel and gravely salute us. “ She is not beautiful,” whispers a young student beside us, “ but she is very gifted.” The samisen-player snaps a lively prelude, and in due time the voice of the very gifted singer is heard warbling and vibrating in that strange involution of shake and trill which constitutes the highest form of Japanese vocalization. She is loud and she is long. It is a lyric romance, apparently in several volumes, which she vouchsafes us. We vow that we are enchanted, — we are in the mood to enjoy anything,— but we do not press her to a repetition. As these artists merge into the throng again, their places are filled by half a score of minstrel-girls, some of whom scatter sharp pizzicatos in profusion from their guitars, while others sing and dance, moving first with stately precision in figures of geometric regularity, and gradually advancing to freer, bolder, ancl more expressive measures. Their supple bodies sway gracefully to and fro, their arms are waved in gentle gesticulation, and their little bare feet patter rhythmically upon the mats, and twinkle like — I hardly know like what; in fact, I am not altogether sure that they twinkle at all, or that I should have thought of such a thing if a great poet had not coined the phrase, which everybody feels bound to repeat at intervals. Whether they twinkle or not, they are very pink and active. Suddenly, as if irresistibly fired by emulation, some of the younger members of the dramatic corps plunge forward, and diversify the dance by nimble and erratic caperings, not altogether unsuggestive of cancan reminiscences, but in no way tending to disturb the more equable gyrations of the ladies of the ballet. This lasts its appointed time, and then abruptly closes. We are somewhat more enthusiastic than we were upon the withdrawal of the balladsinger, but we observe that the assemblage has been augmented by a considerable concourse of visitors, members of the doctor’s family and his more or less near relations, in order to pay our respects to whom we must banish frivolous thoughts. We are presented to his venerable father and mother, to his amiable wife, to his children, and to a host of charming cousins and nieces,— O, such pretty girls ! a little shy and becomingly reserved, but none the less agreeable on that account. The children are delightful, as indeed are all Japanese children of the better class. Good-temper and politeness seem to be instinctive with them. They are not a bit afraid, and through them we are able to make ourselves better acquainted with their brighteyed aunts and sisters. Now Mrs. Matsumoto, after consultation with her consort, who nods compliance, leads forward a beautiful child, — a third cousin or something,'—about twelve years old, with peach-like cheeks and cherry lips and almond eyes, — altogether a most fruitful countenance,— who goes through a bit of pantomimic coquetry with a fan, which is vastly entertaining to witness, although its meaning may be a little beyond our depth. More and more characteristic dances and songs are given, some by amateurs, some by the practised professors, until at last the chief of the actors, Kimi-tayu by name, rises with an air of importance, and announces that one of his brethren has composed a little comedy, or masque, in honor of the occasion, which he, with the assistance of some of his associates, begs to submit to the distinguished company. A shout of satisfaction, a murmur of expectancy, and then dead silence. Our curiosity is at least as vividly excited as that of all the rest. A Japanese pièce de circumstance ! A stage is formed, lights are appropriately arranged, and the orchestra takes its place. You shall have the piece, minus the action, precisely as we had it. I think it best to give you a literal translation, without attempting in any particular to smooth away certain abruptnesses of phraseology, or to remedy its occasional inaccuracies. These were certainly not severely scrutinized at Matsumoto’s house. The occasion was not favorable to Aristarchean judgments. Its reception was precisely what you might expect, and the allusion to the beer reaped a whirlwind of applause.

NISHI NO UMI WARAU KADO MATSZU.⁴

A MASQUE.

GENIUS OP NEUROSIS.

“ " PARALYSIS.

“ “ PYROSIS.

SPIRIT OF SCIENCE.

“ " TRUTH.

NEUROSIS enters, richly dressed, as a monarch, with crown and sceptre, and strides about the stage in great agitation. He is followed by PARALYSIS, who, putting aside his crutches, lies down upon mats and flannels. Next comes PYROSIS, who reclines beside PARALYSIS. — Music throughout the scene.⁵

NEUROSIS. Behold and listen ! Numberless as were formerly the varieties of disease, doctors arose sufficiently skilful to combat them all. Our power is declining. I herefore we will unite and spread disorders with such violence that none can be cured. I pledge myself to this work by my honor as the sovereign of nervous diseases.

PYROSIS. And I will ordain that fever shall rage throughout the world. No skill shall counteract the calamities that I will create.

PARALYSIS. Palsy is my dominion. My legs totter beneath me, but for my zeal in diffusing the malady which I control, I have been promoted to the dignity of two crutches, and I expect soon to be hailed as the Mikado (Tenno) of the Paralytic Empire.

NEUROSIS. Midnight has sounded. PYROSIS. Our time is short. Let us concert our plans. From this time forth disease must triumph.

PARALYSIS. The skill of the physicians is decreasing every day. We shall have little trouble.

NEUROSIS and PYROSIS. Nevertheless, let us —

SCIENCE (cries from without). I surrender, I surrender!

NEUROSIS. What is the meaning of this interruption ?

SCIENCE enters, disguised as a blind shampooer⁶and repeatedly prostrates himself.

SCIENCE. Pardon me; I surrender. NEUROSIS. Why do you cry out thus “ I surrender ” ?

SCIENCE. Like most of my brethren I was born and reared in blindness, and my life has been passed in fighting blindly against disease. But now disease becomes too strong for us, and the race of doctors is falling into contempt. From this day I will be of your party. Pray take me into your party.

NEUROSIS. Ah, you wish to join the party of disease P

PYROSIS. And if we accept you, in what way can you serve us ?

SCIENCE. I will pretend to be still your enemy, and will visit all the dispensaries, and misplace the drugs. All medicines shall be mixed together. Disease shall thrive. Give yourselves no concern about my conduct.

NEUROSIS. It sounds well. But tell us —

PYROSIS. Ay, tell us what maladies are now most prevalent.

PARALYSIS. That is the point. SCIENCE. You shall hear.

As they gather together, TRUTH enters, also disguised.

SCIENCE. What is this fellow doing here ?

TRUTH. Listen. For ten years I have been an unsuccessful doctor. Hundreds of persons have died by my hands, as you should know. At last I am deserted by my patients, and outlawed by the faculty. I cannot hold my head erect among them. You, my friend (to SCIENCE), have surrendered.

I too come to beg admission to the society of disease.

NEUROSIS. It is pleasant to find so many physicians coming over to our side. The cause prospers, and disease will soon rule the world.

PYROSIS. This is an augury of victory. Let us, therefore, drink and be merry.

PARALYSIS. Willingly; only, unluckily, we have no wine.

TRUTH (producing a flask). I have a flask here, if you can find glasses.

NEUROSIS. Hold ! hold ! The world declares that saki is used in several medicines ; if saki is a medicine we must not drink saki !

TRUTH. Make yourself easy. This is not saki, but a draught composed of several poisons, which I am sure will have a very interesting effect upon you, and will aid hereafter in spreading disease.

ALL. Then of course we will drink.

The liquor is poured out and drunk.

NEUROSIS. Excellent.

ALL. Admirable.

The music becomes more rapid, while the three Genii of disease dance and sing hilariously. As they grow excited, their secret qualities are developed. NEUROSIS is splenetic, PARALYSIS shakes -with laughter, PYROSIS weeps hysterically. Presently they lie down exhausted.

SCIENCE (aside). My plan succeeds. TRUTH (to SCIENCE). DO not rouse them. Our spell is upon them, and they are in our power. While they sleep, Science and Truth will make them harmless forever.

Pantomime. The three Genii awake.

SCIENCE AND TRUTH. Your reign is ended. You must withdraw from this place, for we have robbed you of your power. We are the everlasting enemies of disease.

NEUROSIS. Then you have deceived us. We believed you were our confederates. Or is it all a jest ?

TRUTH. It is no jest. I have used a stratagem to destroy you. I am the mighty spirit called Truth.

SCIENCE. And I am Science. Truly in former times I was nothing but a blind shampooer, but that is all changed now.

THE THREE GENII. And the draught? —

SCIENCE. Was BEER, prepared by Matsumoto, and manufactured by Hashiba & Co., Asakusa.

TRUTH. A powerful assistant in curing disease.

NEUROSIS. O, if we have swallowed that beer, of which we have heard so much, we are indeed bewitched.

The Genii attack the Spirits of TRUTH and SCIENCE ; the latter removes his hat, and rays of light spring from his head, which dazzle and transfix the assailants.

THE GENII. The effect of medicine is a horrible thing !

NEUROSIS. One thing is clear, we can never enter this place to scatter disease.

So ended the allegorical part of the dialogue. A few jocular phrases followed ; but as they were crowded with puns and droll misapplications of names of persons present, it is impossible to translate them. Another general dance, again in odd resemblance to a cancan, terminated the whole. Author and actor were rewarded with vigorous cheers. Our blue handkerchiefs were flung by dozens, as bouquets might elsewhere be flung, upon the stage. Did I mention the blue handkerchiefs before ? Ah, well, I should have said that, upon entering, each guest was presented a neat square half-yard of linen cloth with appropriate inscriptions of welcome in various languages worked into the fabric. Dr. Matsumoto effervesced with good-humor like a freshly poured glass of his own eulogized beer. Everybody was in raptures, and it seemed as if nothing could add to the universal contentment, when lo ! the door flew open, and a procession of servants appeared, bringing richly stored trays of food, this time prepared according to the orthodox Japanese methods. What more could be needed ? This was the climax, and before the chop-sticks were broken apart⁷ for the impending ceremony we, the people of the United States, took hasty leave and vanished from the scene. And as we rode leisurely back in the moonlight to our distant homes, I think we both agreed that in no other place could we, at least, have passed our New-Year’s day of 1871 with such hearty and novel enjoyment, or in a manner more significant to us of that cultivated development the progress of which in this land it is our constant pleasure to applaud.

E. H. H.