Exact. Before attacking the dragon it is advisable to explore all the rooms (perhaps by drawing a map) and collect all the objects. It's also a good idea to use healing potions when health drops, whenever the combat round allows. ;-)
Haha indeed! I was aware of "attack with healing" but was surprised by how much the Dragon took it out of me! And yes, I will map it on graph paper next time too; as God intended.