John's Other Practice

"John's Other Practice" by Winston K. Marks is a mid-century science fiction story that tells of John Cunningham, a man who creates "Symptometers," slot-machine-like devices that supposedly diagnose health problems through entertainment. The story blends humor and thoughtful observations about medical ethics and the risks of technology, primarily through the eyes of Dr. Klinghammer, an investigator looking into complaints about these strange machines. As Klinghammer investigates, he gets caught up in the lives of Cunningham and Dr. Sue Calicoo, and their developing relationships mix with professional worries, raising witty questions about the line between progress, responsibility, and personal life. The book balances funny situations with deeper themes about innovation and the consequences that come with it.