Purpose and Message Thomas' purpose in this classification essay is to divide different types of technologies in medicine and show how useful they are. The essay classifies the technologies in medicine by some important factors, such as: effectiveness, cost, effect, etc. "There are three quite different levels of technology in medicine, so unlike each other as to seem different undertakings  (Thomas 248). He starts by describing ˜non-technology' which, as described, is not really any sort of machinery. "Impossible to measure in terms of capacity [ ¦] a great deal of money is spent on this. It consists of what is sometimes called ˜supportive therapy.'  He further explains why this "technology  is important because, hope wise, this is the best treatment. His next classification is "halfway technology.  This form of technology is particularly common with the people because of the exaggerated presentation by the media. The writer, however, is not too satisfied with this form of technology. "It is a technology designed to make up for disease, or to postpone death.  (Thomas 249) The writer explains how this technology is needed but is not the most efficient, and it also costs a lot. His last classification is a type of technology that is extremely effective but highly underestimated “ immunizations. "It has come to be taken for granted [ ¦] The point to be made about this kind of technology “ the real high technology of medicine “ is that it comes as the result of a genuine understanding of disease mechanisms.  (Thomas 251) The writer describes the three technologies well and explains how they are viewed in the public eye and their efficiency. His main goal was to educate his readers about the system in medical technology, and where will the technology progress from here. Audience The readers for this essay were expected to have some prior knowledge, this can be inferred by Thomas' righting style and how he only