Birth - A.J. Cronin

Andrew says this because, after a long night of struggle, he has successfully saved the baby’s life. The child had been born apparently lifeless, and Andrew worked desperately with hot and cold baths, respiration, and rubbing until the baby finally breathed and cried. For Andrew, this is the first time in Blaenelly that he has achieved something of real, practical value as a doctor.

The words mean that he has done something meaningful and life-saving, not just routine or disappointing work. They also show a change in his feelings: earlier he was confused and depressed, but now he feels the deep satisfaction of having helped bring a life into the world.

There is a great difference between textbook medicine and the work of a practising physician. In books, diseases and treatments are described clearly and neatly, but in real life a doctor has to face uncertainty, emergencies, human emotions, and pressure of time.

A textbook may tell a doctor what should be done, but the practising physician must decide quickly, often with incomplete information. He must also care for the patient’s family, handle anxiety, and sometimes choose between two urgent duties, just as Andrew had to choose between saving the baby and protecting the mother.

Thus, medicine in practice is not only about knowledge; it also requires presence of mind, courage, sympathy, and responsibility. The chapter shows that real medical work is difficult, painful, and demanding, but also deeply rewarding when a life is saved.