46. Benedict Arnold, diplomat, is out riding, and sees his friend, George Washington, slumped beside a tree.
Question:
46. Benedict Arnold, diplomat, is out riding, and sees his friend, George Washington, slumped beside a tree. Washington has caught a chill, and Arnold helps him up and takes him back to the Arnold home. There, Arnold applies leeches to Washington, which Arnold believes will suck out Washington’s “bad blood” and cure him. Arnold’s not a doctor, but he remembers hearing that applying leeches sucks out a sick person’s “bad blood.” In fact, however (and as most people know), antibiotics are the only proper way to treat a chill, and leeches are dangerous. Arnold’s treatment worsens Washington’s condition. When Washington sues him, Arnold defends on the grounds that he was under no duty to act at all, so he can’t be liable. Who’s correct? _________________
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