Gold-headed Canes for Physicians
In the times of the renowned Radcliffe, the gold-headed cane was the sceptre of authority among the medical profession. Dignity dwelt in the mysterious symbol. It also protected the owner against contagious diseases, being filled with disinfecting herbs, which he applied to his nose when visiting patients.
He pursed his brows, then wink’d his eyes,
Put his cane to his nose and look’d wise.