no question that a great day for wireless is
coming," replied he. "Whether we like it or not the thing has come to
stay and as yet we have only half discovered what can be done with it.
It is undoubtedly rough on those who want isolation. But most people
don't. They are glad to feel, for instance, that the ocean is so small
they can talk with their friends while they are crossing it. Besides,
you must not forget how much good ship surgeons and doctors can now do
for those who otherwise would have no aid at hand. Remote lighthouses
and small ships that need medical service often signal the big liners
now and ask advice of the ship's doctor. I heard a little while ago of
a lighthouse keeper whose leg was amputated under the wireless
direction of one of our great surgeons. Had instructions not been
available the man would probably have died of blood poison. And many
times there is sickness aboard small vessels that are out to sea. They
signal the symptoms of their patients and the doctor hundreds of miles
away replies with a remedy. As all boats carry medicine chests the
distant physician can easily designate what dose to give."

"That is a fine idea!" nodded Mr. Crowninshield. "I hadn't thought of
treating illness by radio. A bit tough on the doctor, though. It must
keep him busy."

"I am afraid it does. In fact some of the ship's surgeons are
demanding higher pay because of the rush of work put on them. To have
the health of a large ship under one's supervision is task enough
without treating all the people sailing the ocean. They say some
doctors are all in after a trip simply because of the extra calls that
pour in from outside ships and stations. It keeps them hopping day and
night, for of course no decent doctor will ever refuse aid to those
who are suffering."

"Humph! That is quite a new phase of wireless."

"It proves it can save life not only at a time of shipwreck but in
other crises as well," Bob responded with enthusiasm. "Now all that
remains is for some clever fellow to come along who shall find a
remedy for the difficulties that baffle the radio man. Then the
science will come into its own. We must get rid of static
interference--our greatest bugbear."

"Come, come, son! You must not spring any of your technical terms on
me. Remember that while I am old in years I am still young in radio
knowledge. Before you go slipping those phrases jauntily off your
tongue you have got to begin at the very beginni