CHAPTER 13

Summary

• The chapter is set in Madras, India in 1933. A new surgeon named Digby has started work in a hospital under the supervision of a matron named Honorine Charlton.
• On his first day, Digby feels overwhelmed with a procedure he has to perform. Despite having operated on hydroceles before, he isn't confident in this case. He acknowledges that being white and thus higher in the British Indian medical hierarchy as compared to his non-white colleagues, grants him certain privileges.
• Honorine steps in to assist Digby with the surgery, which involves treating a condition called filarial infection, a common ailment in Madras. With her patient and hands-on guidance, Digby successfully finishes the operation and is grateful to Honorine.
• Digby, who is from Scotland, finds India incredibly different but he adapts and learns well from Peter and Krishnan, the local medical practitioners (LMPs). He even begins performing major surgeries.
• He faces a minor issue with a patient named Senthil, where the patient hasn't recovered bowel function following a surgical procedure. Digby expresses surprise as, despite a successful surgery, the patient's healing doesn't seem to progress. Krishnan suggests that Digby personally reassure the patient, which, surprisingly, leads to tangible improvement. This startles Digby as the patient appears to respond positively simply to the doctor's words of reassurance.
• Digby is also puzzled about his colleague Claude Arnold, another British administrator in the region. He is intrigued that Claude's wards are largely empty, unlike his. Honorine shares some background information about Claude, revealing that he and his brothers are all administrators in India, though Claude seems to have lagged behind his brothers in terms of his career. She comments on the dynamics and ethos of British control in India, expressing her own skepticism.
• Digby and Honorine conclude the day by discussing their personal opinions on British rule in India. While Digby has some reservations, Honorine is much more critical and believes that the British have unfairly exploited India's resources. Despite their differences, both agree that medical work plays a beneficial role in the local community.