"Prescription: A physician's guess at what will best prolong the situation with least harm to the patient"

This quote by Ambrose Bierce is a commentary on the practice of medicine. It suggests that a physician's prescription is an educated guess at what will best help the patient, while minimizing any potential harm. Bierce implies that a physician's prescription is not an exact science, but rather a calculated risk. He implies that a physician must weigh the potential benefits of a treatment against the potential risks, and make an educated decision based on the patient's individual needs. This quote also suggests that a physician's prescription is not a guarantee of success, but rather a best guess at what will help the patient. Ultimately, Bierce is suggesting that a physician's prescription is a calculated risk, and that the physician must make an educated decision based on the patient's individual needs.