Shakeepuddn

Ok. The def. says a condition wherein a patient believes he has one or more conditions that he does not have. So Bob contemplates this . . . Hmm, what condition do I think I have that I really don't? Non-sensical. There are steps that would be made, steps that are understood but outside the "scope of the puzzle." They involve cognition, action, and understanding by your imaginary players that MUST be considered or speculated upon if you even want people to respond. This is Wittgenstein's freed fly my friend. A positivistic display of logical equations doesn't come close to capturing the nuances involved with what a riddle conjures or the numerous modes of expressions and intentionalities in language that logic will ever fail to capture. Now, back to the puzzle: As stated, hydrocondria requires an object other than itself, because if it is understood as being hypochondria, then it is also understood that the condition feared is non-existent and thus hypochondria is not in play. Unless of course you ARE the sort of person who fears everything about the world, including what is printed on a label or in a website, and too stupid or lazy to investigate what it means before whining to your doctor, in which case you are an idiot with anxiety issues . . . NOT a hypochondriac. As I stated. We as literate human beings have a given understanding of certain terms and definitions. It goes without saying that hypochondria needs an object other than itself to be such. I understand you would like us to “bracket our learned understanding of this fact, but just because it isn't stated in the definition that Bob read, a definition that all of us, including your imaginary doctor, would know is pathetically vague, doesn't mean the doctor is in error. "He" would certainly have a better understanding of the matter than the web definition. Or do you have specific pre-fab puzzle parameters for your doctor's understanding of hypochondria as well? Sure, if we stick to Bob's imaginary world and your hypochondria as defined, and assume the doctor goes by this fictitious understanding of hypochondria too, then ok, the doc is wrong. But what's the fun in that?

Bob would have had to suspect a condition OTHER than hypochondria to meet the given definition of a hypochondriac; otherwise he would have no reason to suspect he was one IN THE FIRST PLACE. Furthermore, the very nature of hypochondria, regardless of what definition is given, precludes anyone from suffering from it if they finally realize they had been previously: “Oh, I realize I was just suffering from hypochondria and so I probably don’t have cancer . . . no worries.” Viola! Patient cured (though this doesn't preclude another bout in the future). Lastly, Bob’s fear IS NOT a result of hypochondria but of a serious lack of understanding regarding the condition. The doctor is quite correct and Bob is simply a profound idiot with anxiety issues.

Well done. See my spoiler for "answer and explication" to get the full meaning. Thanks.

No to all. This one was a little rushed and I'm not that satisfied with lines five and six. Maybe this revision will help: 5: A bar on a cage to entrap the beast, 6: A crooked stick to keep the beat.

Nothing close so far but I like the beer answer; it's inspirational. Cheers!

Here are some quick questions (can you just stick with yes / no answers as it's more intriquing that way?): is 1700 . . . a number designating quantity? an address? a date?

I'm a joke to some, considered least With me they come to a summer feast. Joined with shipmates I conjure fear, Hidden to date, sure to appear. A single stake to ensnare the beast, An attentive guard for a jewel out of reach. Taken from one to frame another Hours in a day, I and my brothers.

by any chance is it? Bam! That was fast.

Correction: Line four in first stanza should read: But "silence" when my noble voice rings.

Near a bench or a chair I am wont to be found, I shake hands with statesmen and kings. I open and close with a singular sound, But silent when my noble voice rings. A present was I from an Indian beast To serve in the highest of halls, In other homes I reside with a book by my side, Many pounds can be lost when I fall. Hard-headed, two-faced, and with criminals known, And for their fate I am ever at hand. Oft on my block I do dance up and down, But only as one will command.

This riddle has been answered already, but the post was apparently a hit and run. It was copied from another riddle website.

No

Not a place

Please use spoilers.

Thanks Grayven. They're fun to make up, but I have to be careful not to make them too obvious, as per the Check-please riddle. Word choice is crucial but I'm always keen to add a few hidden clues between the lines.