@Sep10trion Falma doesn't have a single joking bone in his body, really. His mind was, is, and will be full of nothing but medical knowledge and progress.
i really dislike the brother, he's been a complete dick since he was introduced and it doesn't seem like he'll change any time soon especially seeing as Falma wants to not reveal anything about himself or his accomplishments to him brother...
@Deonepiece: Actually the part you mentioned happens later, and Falma's brother himself doesn't even know about it yet at this point of the story.
The reason the brother is hard on Falma and his younger sister, is because he is like that (it has nothing to do with what you mentioned).
Remember, Falma's sister was already afraid of the older brother, because he trained and treated them pretty hard since childhood (its already been mentioned before).
The thing is... the vagus extends up to the rectum. The most effective way to cure hiccups is to stimulate your butt. But I don't think Lotte would have accepted. :V