Week of 31 Jul 2000


Ryan,
I think I have advanced leporosy, but it may be smallpox or the Plague. How can I tell and what should I do about it?

Elyse of Girdwood, Alaska

Well, most people would recommend going to a doctor, which is highly illogical. After all, who knows more about you? The doctor, who spent a part of his medical training chopping corpses up, or you, who have spent quite a while in yourself? Doctors are a superfluous part of society.
As for telling whether it’s the plague, leprosy, or smallpox, I can help you. Look at your skin. Is it flaky and falling off in chunks? If so, you probably have leprosy or advanced stomach flu. If your skin is covered with small pocks, you probably have the plague. But smallpox? Don't be ridiculous. You can't have that in this day and age. Smallpox has been cured.
-Ryan Thompson

See other Vorpal Swords of the past
See the main Vorpal Sword page