A little known Aubreyad trivia fact is that early in his career, Stephen sought to augment his meagre income by writing a medical advice column.
Dr. Snarky
Dr. S--
My physician is always harping at me about my size. I am tall and of a powerful, stocky build. I don't think 18 stone is too heavy. How do I get my doctor to leave off his nagging? --JA
JA--
Lose some weight, lard-ass.
*****
To the Honourable Dr. Snarky,
I am a healthy, reasonably well-looking young man currently serving with distinction in His Majesty's Service. I come from good family and have an ample competence of my own. Why do I not attract the ladies? --JD
To JD,
I would advise brushing your teeth once in a while, before they rot away altogether. I could still smell your putrid foul disgusting breath on the letter you sent.
*****
Dear Dr. Snarky,
I love my husband very much. He is handsome and brave, good-natured and cheerful, everything (well, almost everything) a woman could want. He enjoys our marital relations very much. However, I find I do not take much pleasure in them. Could there something wrong with me? --SA
My Dear SA,
There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Your husband is an incompetent boob who couldn't tell a clitoris from a pimple. Come to the G-- Inn in the Savoy, and ask for the Doctor. I will demonstrate to you (repeatedly, if you wish) that you are a perfectly normal healthy young woman with endless capacity for pleasure.
your humble obedient servant,
Dr. Snarky
*****
Have a question for Dr Snarky? Comment here or send him a private message in care of
alltoseek.
For more Dr Snarky, see
column 2 here and
column 3 here.