From dentures to apertures and adventures

THE GOOD DOCTOR

- RAVI GOVENDER

IN OUR good city of Durban, lives a colourful character named Eubulus Timothy. Getting to make an appointment with him is as difficult as pulling teeth, which for him is child’s play, as he is a professional and experienced dental surgeon.

Yes, I know that is a mouthful of an introduction, but necessary for the two people in the city who have not heard of this local legend. His name is as noble as is the definition of the nomenclature. It is derived from the ancient Greek word Eubouleus, which means good counsel, prudent or one who is wise in counsel. In this case, it is wholly apropos.

It also refers to a God, but let’s leave that aspect alone for fear of this column being labelled blasphemous.

Talking religion, Eubulus was a lesser-known figure in the New Testament of the Bible. He was a friend of the Apostle Paul and gets honoura-ble mention in Paul’s second letter to Timothy (amazing coincidence) in chapter four and verse 21. Now that we have tied both names in harmony, let’s look closer at our own celebrated hero, Dr Eubulus Timothy.

Let me just add that in ancient times the name Eubulus was popular with sages, bankers and politicians. Let’s focus here.