Inborn Cravings
But know also, man has an inborn craving for medicine. Generations of heroic dosing have given his tissues such a thirst for drugs. As I once before remarked, the desire to take medicine is one feature which distinguishes man, the animal, from his fellow creatures. It is really one of the most serious difficulties with which we have to contend. Even in minor ailments, which would yield to dieting or to simple home remedies, the doctor’s visit is thought to be complete without the prescription.
(Editor’s note: Although Osler lived a hundred years ago , it sounds like he is writing about today.Maybe we have not advanced as much as we thought)