ABSTRACT
It is sometimes said by an inexperienced doctor that a patient is a poor historian. This is, in fact, a bad reflection on the doctor, for the historian is the person who takes the history, not the one who gives it. It is the duty of the doctor, as history taker, to clarify exactly what is being said and to offer a choice of possibilities if the patient is not able to express himself clearly. Care should, however, be taken to avoid leading questions if possible.
