How does the author use rhetoric to advance the purpose of this passage? The use of short sentences at the end of the second and third paragraphs contributes to making the passage informal and reader-friendly.

The use of antithesis—placing opposing ideas together for contrast—in the second paragraph clarifies that the author agrees with the second view.

The repetition of "but" in the second sentence helps the author emphasize that the doctors were ignorant.

The use of hypophora—a question followed by an answer—at the beginning helps the author show that the passage will contain surprising information.