28 April 1913 – 4 May 1913

Saw M---- again, who said my symptoms were alarming certainly, but he was sure no definite diagnosis could be made.

Went with M---- to see a well-known nerve specialist--Dr. H----. He could find no symptoms of a definite disease, tho' he asked me suspiciously if I had ever been with women. Ordered two months' complete rest in the country. H---- chased me round his consulting room with a drum-stick, tapping my nerves and cunningly working my reflexes. Then he tickled the soles of my feet and pricked me with a pin--all of which I stood like a man. He wears a soft black hat, looks like a Quaker, and reads the Verhandlungen d. Gesellschaft d. Nervenarzten. M---- is religious and after I had disclosed my physique to him yesterday (for the 99th time) he remained on his knees by the couch in his consulting room (after working my reflexes) for a moment or two in the attitude of prayer. When the Doctor prays for you--better call in the undertaker. My epitaph "He played Ludo well." The game anyhow requires moral stamina--ask H----.