Once, the famous publisher of the Russian Empire, Alexei Suvorin, complained to Anton Chekhov about periodic migraines. Chekhov suggested he consult Dr. Zakharin in Moscow, saying that he would charge 100 rubles, but his advice was worth much more and could extend life by 20-30 years. At the end of the 19th century, legends circulated about Dr. Grigory Zakharin, claiming he could diagnose diseases with a single glance. He was both feared and respected, accused of greed, yet admired for his philanthropy.

During his school years at the Saratov gymnasium, Zakharin lived in poverty on a street with the symbolic name of Gorshovaya. There was not enough money even for textbooks, which likely influenced his desire to become wealthy. He charged wealthy patients 500 rubles per visit, but he was their last hope for recovery. In 1883, Zakharin discovered that in cases of organ diseases, certain areas of the skin become sensitive, which later became known as the Zakharin-Ged zones.

The legend of his ability to heal with a single glance arose from a case involving a merchant who only fell ill in winter. Zakharin questioned him about his habits and advised him not to travel along Ilyinka, charging 500 rubles for this advice. The merchant changed his route and stopped getting sick. It turned out he was removing his hat and praying in front of each church in the cold. Zakharin used his high service fees to build hospitals and clinics.