under the doctor's care. Dr. Fieler had examined and diagnosed a varicose vein problem in 1961, recommending that Thompson undergo a surgical procedure known as a vein ligation to partially alleviate the symptoms. In 1962, the vein ligation was performed by Dr. Green. Dr. Green also performed a hydrocoyle and a hernia operation on Thompson in that year.
In 1963 Thompson was examined by Dr. Conklin. Dr. Conklin testified that Thompson was a heavy drinker. The doctor found it necessary to prescribe moderately strong sleeping pills and advised Thompson to decrease his alcohol intake. Dr. Conklin last saw Thompson for laryngitis in January 1964.
Dr. Pellegrin first examined Thompson in June 1964. Thompson complained of pain in his chest, back, "in his right hip, down into his right heel, andat the back of the knees and in the feet was barely palpable. The doctor also performed an electrocardiogram, finding some borderline indications which he did not consider especially significant.
Dr. James Thompson testified for the defendant that Thompson suffered from two basic conditions: varicose veins (thrombophlebitis) and hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis). The doctor explained that varicose veins is a common ailment which results from thickening of the veins and has a tendency to make the legs swell. Such can have serious effects if a blood clot, which may form in the vein, breaks off and flows through the veins into the heart or lungs. The other condition from which Thompson suffered, arteriosclerosis, was much more serious. This occurs when cholesterol is laid down on the interior of