His assistants left him pretty well alone, apart from attending to his dressings, for not only was he a dangerous patient, stubborn, dogged and even violent if attempted to be dosed according to any system but his own, but he was also their superior in naval and in medical rank, being a physician and the author of highly-esteemed works on seamen's diseases, an officer much caressed by the Sick and Hurt Board: furthermore he was no more consistent than other men and in spite of his liberal principles and his dislike of constituted authority he was capable of petulant tyranny when confronted with a slimedraught early in the morning.
The character in "The Ionian Mission" presents a complex figure who is both a challenging patient and a notable medical authority. His assistants tend to leave him to his own devices, primarily focusing on his medical needs like dressings. His reputation as a physician, particularly in seamen's diseases, adds to his status, making him difficult to manage due to his high rank and expertise.
Despite his progressive views and criticism of authority, he exhibits a contradictory nature. His stubbornness and volatility often lead to aggressive responses when he is forced into a treatment regimen that he does not favor. This inconsistency illustrates the struggle between his liberal principles and a tendency toward authoritarian behavior when under pressure, especially in mundane situations.
