holmes's D&D Excerpt: magic items

" Note Regarding Magic Items: If a character, fearing to contact some harmful magic item, has a hireling or non-player character flunkie try out a newly found piece of equipment, the Dungeon Master must take stringent measures against the character. The morale of those in the character's employ will plummet if they learn of such conduct. The person made to act as guinea pig by testing the magic item will, of course, demand to keep it if it proves to be beneficial, or if it is a harmful item the person putting it on will seek revenge on the character who had him try the item out."

- Dr. Holmes's D&D, page 39