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AN ESSAY ON HUMANITY: OR A VIEW OF ABUSES IN HOSPITALS. WITH A PLAN for CORRECTING them.

By WILLIAM NOLAN.

To ſooth the hapleſs plaints of human woe,
And purge the tainted fount from whence they flow;
To bring to ſinking nature ſweet relief,
And wipe the tear from unrelenting grief;
To heal the body and inſtruct the mind,
Are the great works which dignify mankind.

LONDON: Printed for the AUTHOR, and Sold by J. MURRAY, No. 32, in Fleet-Street. 1786.

[Price One Shilling.]

TO JOHN MACNAMARA, Eſq; MEMBER of PARLIAMENT for the City of Leiceſter.

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SIR,

I HOPE you will not be offended at the liberty I take in recommending the following Work to your protection—And I am the rather confirmed in this hope as well from its Name, An Eſſay on Humanity, as its object, ſo virtually correſponding with ſuch name.—

It has been remarked of Authors, that their writings were the juſteſt deſcription of their diſpoſitions, and I think the Obſervation may with great propriety be extended to their Patrons; for, in the conſtitution of human concerns, I believe there has ſeldom a work been inſcribed to a patron, the qualities of whoſe mind, or diſpoſitions of whoſe heart, did not bear a congenial relationſhip to the ſubject treated of. The Gentleman, which I now have the honor and happineſs to addreſs, is a living example of the juſtice of this obſervation, whoſe private life is one uniform exertion [iv]of the diffuſive virtues of generoſity and benevolence. It is upon this expanded principle, Sir, that I ground my hopes of your indulgence in patronizing—An Eſſay on Humanity, and which, by a ſpecies of relative attraction, you have drawn to ſeek ſhelter under your foſtering protection.

I muſt here reſtrain the effuſions of a grateful mind, leſt malignity might conſtrue the genuine language of heart-felt gratitude into unworthy adulation—which I am perfectly confident, you are as much averſe to receive as I am to offer:—Juſtice, however, demands this public declaration, that whatever benefit (which I hope will not be inconſiderable) may hereafter reſult to ſociety from the preſent Performance, will be, principally, attributable to you in conſequence of your liberality to the author.—

I have the honor to be, SIR, With all becoming reſpect, Your moſt devoted And moſt obedient humble ſervant, WM. NOLAN.

To the PUBLIC.

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AS the inſtitution of public charities is univerſally applauded, ſo their abuſe ſhould be univerſally condemned: to correct, therefore a public evil of this tendency is the object of the following ſheets.

The nation is loud in its praiſes on the benevolence of the Humane Society, inſtituted for the recovery of perſons apparently dead; and certainly praiſe could never be more judiciouſly beſtowed nor more juſtly merited. As a grateful individual of ſociety, it claims my particular veneration: and as the plan which I have recommended here, is projected upon the ſame principles of indiſcriminate benevolence, I fondly anticipate a portion of the public approbation for attempting to promote a public good.

The Humane Society may in the exerciſe of ten experiments be ſucceſsful perhaps but in one, their exertions are nevertheleſs laudable: but the inſtitution of a Humane Committee (which I have in the courſe of this Eſſay recommended to be appointed in hoſpitals) may exerciſe the functions, annexed to it with greater probability of ſucceſs, as, perhaps, that in ten attempts to reſtore health and prolong life, one will not miſcarry. As therefore the object of the Humane Society is to reſcue from premature death our fellow-creatures, ſurely that inſtitution formed upon [vi]ſimilar principles of univerſal benevolence and which has in its comprehenſion the probability of ſaving Ten for one of the human race, muſt be allowed a decided ſuperiority, and conſequently command a proportionate earneſtneſs in its being eſtabliſhed into a ſyſtem of permanency.

I am well apprized, that imputations adduced againſt public inſtitutions, or public characters, are generally ſuppoſed to "take their riſe in envy or diſappointment, and not from any diſintereſted or public ſpirited motives." How far the degeneracy of human-nature will juſtify ſuch an illiberal charge, it is not for me here to inveſtigate, therefore ſhall not attempt to refute the injuſtice, or acknowledge the propriety of it: nevertheleſs I think it abſolutely neceſſary thus publickly to declare, that ſuch motives have not the leaſt influence, either immediate or remote, in the preſent undertaking, and that however ſingular the licentiouſneſs of the times may make the declaration appear, I profeſs myſelf a volunteer in the cauſe of humanity only.

Upon this principle it will not be eſteemed preſumptious to hope, that this pamphlet will obtain a diſpaſſionate inveſtigation from the benevolent governors and ſubſcribers to the different hoſpitals in and about London, and alſo a candid examination of its utility from a diſcerning, generous, and impartial public, whoſe judgment I hope, in this reſpect, [vii]will be directed by the magnitude of the object recommended by it, and for whoſe benefit it is avowedly written.

I alſo think it neceſſary to declare, that I was not influenced by any general diſapprobation I did or do entertain of the profeſſion of phyſic or ſurgery, or againſt any particular profeſſor of thoſe half-divine arts; on the contrary, it has ever been my opinion, that benevolent and intelligent phyſicians and ſurgeons, were characters that gave additional dignity to human nature: but the gentlemen of the faculty themſelves will be my witneſſes, when I ſay that there are ſeveral characters in the profeſſion who do not come ſtrictly under this venerated denomination; and in whoſe hands a man's life would be in as much danger, as his property in thoſe of an unprincipled pettifogging attorney.

The ſarcaſms ſo liberally thrown out againſt both profeſſions, are the greateſt pannigerycks upon the reſpectable part of the profeſſors.— It is only for ignorance, inſenſibility and injuſtice, to ſmart under the rod of ſatyrical chaſtiſement, intelligence, humanity and integrity will be ever above its reach.

That want of literary merit which muſt ever diſtinguiſh maiden productions (and which is ſo very conſpicuous in the following Eſſay) will I hope in ſome meaſure be overlooked by the critic eye of claſſical accuracy, [viii]in conſideration of the benignity of its intention; for though my capacity in pourtraying this ſubject in the affecting colours it would admit of, is inferior to many, yet, in a benevolent anxiety for its happy accompliſhment, I am inferior to none:—For if ever I could entertain ſo inordinate a wiſh, as to be poſſeſſed of the captivating, pathetic, and perſuaſive eloquence of Mr. Burke, it would be, that I might (like him) with more ſucceſs plead the cauſe of humanity.

The antient Romans, the moſt unſullied model of human perfection which hiſtory preſents us with, carried their love of humanity to ſo exalted a pitch, that they decreed the particular honor of a civic crown to every individual who ſhould ſave the life of one citizen. This was a generous incitement,— an honorable ſtimulative to the virtues of humanity and benevolence! And as the Britiſh nation is the only living copy on the face of nature of ſo illuſtrious an original, I hope that my feeble endeavours, which are levelled at the preſervation of the lives of thouſands of my fellow-citizens and fellow-creatures (in future) will entitle me to the more envied diſtinction—their approbation. And though I ſhould not be ſo happy as to gain this flattering reward—yet I ſhall not relax my perſeverence in endeavouring to deſerve it, by availing myſelf of every opportunity of diſcharging the benevolent duties of A CITIZEN OF THE WORLD.

AN ESSAY ON HUMANITY, &c.

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IT is no leſs a compliment to the liberality and wiſdom, than to the humanity of Great Britain, that it takes precedence of all other ſtates in Europe for the number, variety, and affluence of its charitable inſtitutions. The large voluntary ſubſcriptions in ſupporting hoſpitals for every ſpecies of calamity, entailed on human nature, excite ſentiments of the moſt exalted ſenſibility in the feeling breaſt.— All benevolent deſcriptions of mankind muſt ſympathetically partake of bleſſings thus indiſcriminately diffuſed. And though our feelings may be wounded, either by the ſight or recital of the afflictions inſeparable from the conſtitution of human nature, yet we are in a great meaſure conſoled by the reflection, that theſe manſions of hoſpitality are erected for their alleviation.— The great maſs of mankind ever has been, and ever will be, formed of two component parts, good and bad.—The one ever [10]ſolicitous to promote the happineſs of their fellow-creatures; the other to counteract theſe laudable efforts. This is a truth ſo well eſtabliſhed by the experience of ſucceſſive ages, that a further commentation on it here, might be juſtly conſidered an impertinent prolixity. I am led to this reflection from the wanton abuſe which is known but too generally to prevail in the above mentioned god-like inſtitutions.— Where avarice and inſenſibility in the officers and ſervants (not to ſay neglect in the phyſicians and ſurgeons) belonging to theſe eſtabliſhments frequently prevent the unhappy patients from receiving that conſolation in them that the nature of their malady demands, and which was the primitive object of their pious and humane founders. To correct theſe enormities is the avowed object of the preſent work, and ſucceſs in the undertaking, will be to me the moſt acceptable reward of my labour. It will ever be admitted by the advocates for humanity, that the greater the diſtreſs of the object, the greater his recommendation to the care of philanthropy; but ſome inſtances, which I ſhall hereafter mention, ſeem to confirm, that they maintain a contrary opinion in hoſpitals; and that the greater the diſtreſs of an object, ſoliciting relief there, the greater the difficulty of removing it ſhould ſeem neceſſary.— [11]The following circumſtance (which may be depended upon as authentic) I ſhall mention, as well for its ſingular cruelty, as a confirmation of the imputation juſt mentioned Curioſity led me to St. Bartholomew's hoſpital on a taking-in-day, as it is termed) when a patient was admitted into the ward where I was; and after paſſing through the extra-formalities neceſſary for ſuch admiſſion, he was introduced by one of the beadles to the ſiſter of the ward, who at firſt received him with that affected cordiality and ſeeming tenderneſs which pecuniary expectations make low minds aſſume; after which ſhe aſked him,—"Had he got his wardage?"—The unhappy man ſaid, "He had no money—That the laſt ſix-pence he had in the world he gave to the beadle who ſhewed him into the ward." The tender hearted ſiſter on this information flew into the moſt outrageous paſſion, and in an imperious elevation of voice, in which were blended inſolence, ignorance, and barbarity, demanded, "How he dare come there without it? Did he not know it was cuſtomary? and that it was her due or perquiſite?"—with a number of other interrogatories equally diveſted of decency, as humanity. The trembling patient modeſtly replied, He believed it might be cuſtomary; but alledged his inability as his only reaſon for non-compliance to it. This [12]affecting confeſſion, ſo far from ſoftening the heart of the inexorable ſiſter, exaſperated her ſtill more, in ſo much, that ſhe abſolutely inſiſted on his turning out of the ward immediately, and actually proceeded to puſh him out: ſhock'd at ſuch unexampled inhumanity, I arreſted her in the execution of her unfeeling purpoſe.—"Hold, monſter, ſaid I, here is your wardage, and may the gin you procure for it, rid human nature of ſo great a reproach to it!" This inveterate imprecation I could not reſtrain, in the moment of my indignant reſentment and deteſtation, for ſuch unparrallelled inſenſibility of ſoul!

I ſhall leave the mind of ſenſibility to make its native ſympathetic comment on unfortunate wretches in the ſituation above deſcribed, and ſhall only obſerve, that ſuch inhumanity is in diametric oppoſition to the very name and nature of an hoſpital; and ſhews a lamentable degeneracy of the inſtitution.

This perquiſite of wardage operates variouſly to the diſadvantage of patients;—It makes the ſiſter look with the eye of anxiety on the patient in all the progreſſive ſituations and ſtages of his cure; not from a humane concern for the reſtoration of his health, but with an avaricious expectation [13]of having him diſcharged, as ſhe is to get 3s. from the perſon whom accident or deceaſe makes his ſucceſſor; and as, perhaps, ſhe has no other bed in her ward to accommodate ſuch caſual ſucceſſor with, but that occupied by ſome half-cured patient. It is therefore very evident, that the number of cures effected in the ward committed to her humane ſuperintendance, is not ſo much the object of her ſolicitude, as the number of patients admitted into it, as ſhe has 3s. for each. It is very reaſonable to infer, from this circumſtance that her tenderneſs will not be much exerted towards the patients: the very reverſe is juſtly to be apprehended, as ſhe muſt know from experience, that moroſeneſs and brutality might induce ſome to quit the hoſpital before their cures were accompliſhed, though tenderneſs and humanity would be an additional inducement to them to ſtay for that very deſirable purpoſe, to be accompliſhed.

Another infamous practice of theſe wretches, to multiply their perquiſites, is to prefer complaints to the ſteward againſt the unhappy patients; for if in the acuteneſs of their pains they are guilty of the leaſt vehement expreſſion, they are immediately repreſented to the ſteward as intollerably noiſy and troubleſome. Thus for not having the conſtancy to maintain an [14]equality of temper in the extremity of pain, they are painted out as intolerable and for no other human reaſon, than that perhaps their agonies are ſo! and a diſmiſſion ſoon after, notwithſtanding any pathetic remonſtrance to the contrary, is frequently the conſequence.

This deſpotic act of power in the Lord Steward is faithfully copied by the Lady Matron in her department, with this difference only, that the delicacy of the complaints, which females frequently labour under, will not diſpenſe with ſo immediate a diſmiſſion, but in any circumſtances where they will, her plenitude of arbitrary authority will be as ſeverely, and as inſtantaneouſly exerciſed; and for the ſame iniquitous reaſon already mentioned.

Is it not a melancholy conſideration, that the health, or perhaps the life, a uſeful member of ſociety ſhould thus fall a facrifice either to the avarice of the ſiſter, or the captice of the ſteward? and it amounts to more than a preſumption, that this is frequently the caſe, when patients are turned out of the hoſpital before their cures are effected. The diſorder, upon the point, perhaps, of being conquered by the regimen preſcribed and followed, when the proceſs of medicinal application is interrupted, [15]returns to its wonted ſtrength, at a time that the body is conſiderably exhauſted by the abſtinence impoſed by regimen: when a conflict between recruited diſeaſe, and harraſſed nature enſues, which muſt neceſſarily terminate in human diſſolution.

The number of evils ariſing from this pernicious perquiſite of wardage, are as obvious as they are diſtreſſing to the poor afflicted part of the community; it is therefore hoped, the governors and ſubſcribers to hoſpitals will apply a radical cure to the evil, by totally ſuppreſſing it, and ſubſtitute in its room an additional equivalent of ſalary to the ſiſters and nurſes; for, to the eternal reproach of human nature, I muſt own, that while the degraded principle or paſſion of ſelf-intereſt, ſtands in oppoſition to the diſcharge of any duty, there will be found very few, eſpecially in the inferior orders of mankind, who will not make that duty ſubſervient to their intereſt, however important to ſociety the faithful diſcharge of ſuch a truſt may be! And indeed I may venture to affirm, that the ills and calamities ideally aſcribed to Pandora's box, will be realized by the continuance of this, with other prohibitions on humanity, which I ſhall hereafter mention. How many are the unfortunate objects, who [16]from having large families, painful illneſs, or a long want of employment, are in actual want of ſubſiſtence, it is not therefore ſtrange, that under the preſſure of any, or all of theſe calamities, they ſhould want a few ſhillings; but it is very ſtrange indeed, that this want ſhould be the foundation on which the want of being cured is built, as they can not get into the hoſpital without it, as has been already ſufficiently demonſtrated? This illuſtrates and explains that negative text in the ſcripture, ſo remarkable for its obſcurity, "And from thoſe that have nothing, even that which they have will be taken from them."—It applies immediately to the peculiarly unfortunate wretches I have been juſt deſcribing—having nothing but hope, and even that is taken away from them by this ill-timed rejection of their double claim to compaſſion.

It is alſo cuſtomary (nay indeed it is indiſpenſibly neceſſary, in order to be admitted into the hoſpitals) for the patient to bring two clean ſhirts with him beſides the ſhirt he wears, which muſt be clean alſo; to the propriety, decency, and utility of this regulation, I very readily ſubſcribe, where the circumſtances of the patient will admit of a conformity to it. I admit it is alſo a co-operative aſſiſtance in the reſtoration and preſervation of health in the courſe [17]of medical application—for as filth is as obnox ous to health as to ſenſe ſo is cleanlineſs as uſeful to the one as agreeable to the other. But do all theſe reaſons united juſtify the cruelty of rejecting an unhappy patient for non-conformance to this hoſpital mandate, eſpecially when unrelenting neceſſity is the cauſe? Will any good, intended to be promoted by it, counterbalance the evil promiſcuouſly entailed on every unhappy wretch thus rejected? No—I am confident it will not! Let us for a moment enter into the thoughts of the unhappy creature thus diſappointed.—All his leſs acute ſorrows, which before lay in a ſtate of torpitude, are now new-edged by this recent aggravation of his calamities! His poverty, his hapleſs helpleſs irremediable poverty he juſtly conſiders as the cauſe of this conſummation of human woe! his mind is alternately torn with the paſſions of grief and deſpondence, when he ſees even the probability extinguiſhed of having his health re-eſtabliſhed!

Though the above is a melancholy, yet it is a true picture of the human mind bending under the complicated lead of grief, poverty, and pain.—Therefore, however commendable it may be, to relieve the misfortunes of our fellow creatures, it [18]is much more ſo to prevent them, by the timely exertions of wiſdom and liberality in their behalf. For accompliſhing ſo meritorious a purpoſe, I would recommend it to the governors, &c. to have half a dozen or a dozen of coarſe cloth ſhirts in each ward, and that the ſiſters and nurſes might be ordered to accommodate ſuch unfortunate patients as above deſcribed, in ſuch manner as their reſpective neceſſities ſhould demand. The object of additional expence on this occaſion would be very inconſiderable, but when put in competition with the bleſſings reſulting to individuals, and to ſociety at large from it, it would entirely vaniſh. This indulgence not to be extended to any but thoſe whoſe neceſſities alone ſhould entitle them to it. How many uſeful members of ſociety, by the extenſion of this well timed benevolence, would be enabled to reſume a life of honourable induſtry, who might, through the want of this means of ſeeking to recover their health, become an incumbrance to ſociety, as would alſo their relatives, whoſe immediate ſubſiſtence was drawn from the exerciſe of their trade?

WORKHOUSE PATIENTS.

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It frequently happens, that pariſh patients are brought to Hoſpitals, to the very great prejudice of the patients who are before warded in them, as theſe pariſh patients have a diſtinction paid them very injurious to the convenience, and ſometimes to the health of thoſe other patients, who are removed out of their beds, though they ſhould be even in the extremity of a fever, to make room for the pariſh patients; and only for the pitiful conſideration of fourpence a day! which the pariſh allows in ſuch caſes; and which becomes the perquiſite of the ſervants belonging to the hoſpitals. This is a bare-faced partiality, and a flagrant outrage on the rights of humanity, and conſequently calls loudly for redreſs.

The FOOD for PATIENTS.

With reſpect to the quality and quantity of food appointed for the uſe of the patients, it appears to me, in a general ſenſe, tolerably well calculated to anſwer the ends propoſed by it; but notwithſtanding, ſome alterations and additions might be made in ſome particular caſes, excluſive of the hoſpital [20]allowance, eſpecially to ſuch patients as are afflicted no otherways than by wounds or ſores of little or no malignity, and whoſe conſtitutions are not debilitated through antecedent exceſs. An abſtinence from a ſufficiency of food, in a conſtitution thus circumſtanced, lays the foundation of ſeveral diſorders—as belchings, windy cholics, dizzineſs in the head, &c. &c. and in juvenile conſtitutions it is the undoubted forerunner of a conſumption—a line of diſtinction ſhould be therefore accurately drawn between thoſe who, from the nature and malignity of their complaints, can not eat ſo much as the hoſpital allowance, and thoſe who from contrary reaſons could eat more, without endangering their health, or retarding their cure. Such patients ſhould by all means have an additional allowance, leſt the reſtraining them in this particular ſhould be productive of the unhappy conſequences above particularized.

Though this encreaſe of food would incur a ſmall additional expence, yet it would be a temporary one, and in its conſequences would prove a ſaving. As this aſſertion has the myſterious appearance of a paradox, I ſolve it thus—Many patients, of the deſcription now in queſtion, contract thoſe windy conſumptive complaints when in [21]the hoſpital for want of a ſufficiency of food, who are obliged to go back there again for their cure, and perhaps ſtay there until they become infinitely more expenſive, than by giving them the neceſſary addition of nouriſhment above mentioned, the firſt time they were in the hoſpital.

Security to bury Patients who die in the Hoſpital, or to lodge a Depoſit equal to the Expence that ſuch Interment may amount to.

THIS regulation appears to me fraught with cruelty and inhumanity; as it is undoubtedly the cauſe of ſeveral of the moſt unhappy of our fellow-creatures breathing their laſt in the poor and obſcure environs of this extenſive metropolis!

Every patient is (according to this law or regulation) obliged to find one or two houſekeepers, to ſubſcribe to an undertaking to bury him, in caſe he dies in the hoſpital; and unleſs he can procure ſuch reſponſibility, or advance a ſtipulated depoſit himſelf, to defray the incidental expence, whatever may be his claim to humanity, from the complicated wretchedneſs of his condition, [22]he is utterly precluded admiſſion. The degrading vice of ſelf-intereſt, which in a great meaſure pervades all deſcriptions of mankind, will immediately point out the inſurmountable difficulties which will attend—a friendleſs—ſickly—and pennyleſs individual in procuring ſuch reſponſibility! But this is not the only inſtance which ſhews a manifeſt perverſion of the intention of thoſe temples of compaſſion!— Though it is enough to ſhew, that at preſent the internal as well as external regulations of them are only directed to the relief of ſuch as are in part diſtreſſed, thoſe that are wholly ſo, they ſeem to think, ſhould remain ſo—as is ſufficiently evinced in the inſtance now under conſideration! Why ſhould not this inexorable law be diſpenſed with, in caſes where there is not the leaſt human likelihood of the patient's dying in the hoſpital? And in caſes where ſuch a fatality may with juſtice be apprehended— is not (though ſhocking to humanity to relate) the wretched objects body a ſufficient forfeiture for this temporary mitigation of the calamities which terminate with life!

PHYSICIANS and SURGEONS.

[23]

Having now pointed out ſome of the Enormities of the Servants, I ſhall take the Liberty of making ſome Obſervations on the Conduct of the Gentlemen belonging to the Hoſpitals.

Immediately antecedent to a patient's diſcharge from the hoſpital, he paſſes through a very ridiculous unneceſſary formality:— He is called into a room where the Phyſicians and Surgeons attend, and aſked—If he has any complaint againſt the ſiſters or nurſes, &c. In the name of common ſenſe I would aſk—admitting he had—Of what conſequence would it, or could it be, to ſay ſo then? What advantage would reſult to him, to tell the gentlemen, That he was not treated with the tenderneſs he expected? and which from the intention, as well as conſtitution of the charity, ſhould be ſhewn him? or that the peculiar circumſtances of his complaint demanded:—Of what utility could it poſſibly be to him, juſt at the moment he was to be diſcharged, to ſay, he was not tenderly or carefully nurſed. Such information now, would, like a malicious accuſation, eſpecially when it could not have for its object the redreſs of [24]ſuch grievances, as to himſelf! Had theſe queſtions been propoſed to him during his reſidence in the hoſpital, for inſtance (the firſt week after his admiſſion) the fear of incurring the diſpleaſure of the gentlemen might exact that tenderneſs from the ſiſters and nurſes, which the fear of violating the obligations of humanity could no. This therefore I take to be an after-piece of attention, and conſequently nugatory and unavailing: for if any thing can equal its abſurdity, it is its palpable inutility.

Without intending the leaſt diſparagement to the reſpectibility of their profeſſion, or the integrity of their principles, I would earneſtly recommend to theſe gentlemen a more humane regard to the feelings of their unhappy patients. I have frequently heard, and beheld with aſtoniſhment, gentlemen who arrived to the higheſt pitch of eminence in their profeſſion, uſe exceeding harſh language and apparently unfeeling treatment to their patients, when in the moſt agitating mental anxiety, and under the moſt excruciating corporeal pain. This is a conduct which is by no means reconcileable to the dignity of the gentleman, the ſenſibility of the man, or the profeſſion of a ſurgeon. People of this aſſumed or natural auſterity of [25]manners, ſhould reflect, that there are ſome conſtitutions ſo delicately conſtructed by nature, that though they have arrived to maturity in years, are but infants in the great virtues of patience and reſignation; and conſequently require the ſame cordiality and affability in their treatment.

Another prevailing practice in an hoſpital, and which, to excite general indignation, needs only to be mentioned, is, That if a Surgeon's patient has the misfortune to have a leg or an arm dangerouſly afflicted, amputation is immediately propoſed, without any previous conſultation, whether a poſſibility exiſts of effecting a cure, without having recourſe to this deſperate alternative! Surely in a matter of ſuch magnitude to human nature, as the mutilation or diſſolution (which frequently follows it) of one of our ſpecies, it merits the utmoſt profeſſional deliberation, before ſuch unrelenting reſolutions are decidedly adopted.— For, excluſive of the horrible fears that anticipation unavoidably excites in the patient's mind, preparatory to amputation, the excrutiating pain of the operation muſt be indeſcribeably great! Why then wantonly or incautiouſly condemn a fellow-creature to ſuch intolerable pains of mind and [26]body, if there are any poſſible human means to avoid it!

But long experience and impartial obſervation ſuggeſt to me a conſideration, which at the ſame time that it accounts for this inhuman premature propenſity to amputation, reflects very little honour on the principles of the chirurgical tribe, which is,— That experiments of this deſperate nature are made on the POOR, that they may be practiced with more probability of ſucceſs on the RICH. Though this is a harſh imputation, yet I conſcientiouſly believe it to be true in various inſtances; but, for the honour of human nature, I hope there are a number of exceptions to it.

Indeed I am confident to aſſert, and ready to prove, that in many inſtances, there is not that attention paid to hoſpital patients that there ought to be; for, unleſs ſome ſingular affliction attracts the attention of the gentlemen, the patients frequently languiſh under common complaints with as little proſpect of redreſs in the hoſpital, as out.

In order to the ſubſtantiating what is alledged above relating to amputation, I ſhall recite the following inſtance, which came under my own immediate knowledge.

[27]

Some few years ago there was a patient in St. Bartholomew's Hoſpital, who laboured under a violent inflammation in his left arm: a certain great profeſſional character, whoſe amputating abilities are as univerſally known as admired, ordered amputation immediately on the firſt ſight of the arm, without ever conſulting the patient, or giving himſelf a moment's time to enquire into his habit of body, or diſpoſition of mind, on ſo momentous an event. The man anticipated his advice from his general character, but abſolutely refuſed to comply with it, very rationally conſidering, that if a courſe of medicine was preſcribed, for the purpoſe of correcting and purifying the blood, it would probably abate the inflammation, and on that event's taking place, external applications might operate more effectually. This reaſonable expectation was ſoon afterwards juſtified, for in leſs than the ſhort ſpace of a month, the patient was diſcharged from the hoſpital with his arm perfectly healed! a living monument of the cruelty and juſtice of having recourſe to amputation, unleſs in caſes where the unequivocal ſymptoms of mortification make it indiſpenſibly neceſſary. I have every reaſon to apprehend the inſtances of ſuch cruel inattention are not few, nor the ſtill more cruel conſequences [28]with which they are attended; nor can the circumſtance of this unrelenting practice, not being more generally known, in the leaſt invalidate the probability of thoſe humane apprehenſions being juſt, as can be very rationally inferred from the caſe juſt mentioned.

Reſpecting the Clergyman who attends the Hoſpital.

Having now repreſented what bodily inconveniencies patients labour under, I ſhall proceed to examine the inattention ſhewn to the ſtill more exalted and important concern, their ſouls.

Ingratitude, it is juſtly obſerved, is a crime of Syrian dye; but alas! it is a crime from which very few of the human race can plead an exemption; particularly to that ſupreme Being whoſe mercies to us demand our moſt animated gratitude! while in the meridian of health and proſperity we neglect thoſe great duties we ought to perform, and which, when deſcended under the clouded horizon of ſickneſs and adverſity, we cannot perform. It is in this ſtate the mind reſumes its ſalutary attribute of reflection—It is then ſhe would wiſh, by a life of prudence and penance in future, [29]to ward off calamities which antecedent intemperance or impiety make her dread for the preſent, both as to body and ſoul! When the human mind is in this ſuſceptible diſpoſition, a wiſe and humane clergyman ſhould avail himſelf of its ſituation (as in it we are more inclined to hear and follow good advice than at any other time) by viſiting patients in ſuch ſituations, and admoniſhing them to refrain from a repetition of thoſe irregularities, which perhaps laid the foundation of their preſent ſickneſs; and that ſuch ſickneſs was the conſequent puniſhment, of their criminal neglect of the performance of their religious duty:" or in any other pathetic manner, that the love or duty of Chriſtianity might dictate.—For, as the ſtate of heat, in metallic ſubſtances, is the ſtate wherein they are made capable to aſſume new or beautiful forms, ſo the ſtate of affliction is the ſtate to mould the human mind to every purſuit that is congenial to the dignity of its nature. But, I am extremely ſorry to ſay, that there is very little attention paid to the diſcharge of this indiſpenſible duty in an hoſpital; more eſpecially at the time that it is moſt neceſſary, towards the approach of death!—For, it is truly lamentable to ſee, how ſhamefully negligent in this momentous concern, are the people [30]about an expiring wretch in an hoſpital— to whom cuſtom, joined to innate inſenſibility, has made it as indifferent to ſee a patient leaving the world, as leaving the hoſpital! This conduct is not only inhuman, but impious in the higheſt degree; as at this awful tremendous moment, deſponding fears and infidel doubts find an eaſy conqueſt of a mind, which, though not ſtrengthened by Chriſtian philoſophy, is conſiderably weakened by diſeaſe. This, therefore, is the time to adminiſter to the exhauſted mind the lenient balſam of Chriſtianity, by infuſing into the anxious, trembling, palpitating ſoul a conviction, a hope, and a belief of its divine and merciful author's protection in a future ſtate! I would not dwell ſo long on this matter, but from an internal conviction, that virtue and good morals are as often the means of preſerving health, as medicine is in reſtoring it. A proper method of treating the minds and morals of patients ſhall be pointed out hereafter in its place; that is, immediately after ſuggeſting a plan for the removal or mitigation of all the antecedent bodily inconveniencies alluded to.

The PLAN for Reformation.

[31]

Having now ſhewn the neglect and abuſe of hoſpitals, I ſhall proceed to the method of correcting them; and in their room to recommend regulations which, if adopted, will be productive of the moſt ſalutary effects, with very little additional expence to the inſtitutions. For the accompliſhment of this deſirable purpoſe, I would recommend it to the governors, ſubſcribers, &c. to appoint a committee from amongſt themſelves, to be called, The Humane Committee, whoſe office might be to examine minutely into the arrangement and treatment of the patients; to diſcover any neglect or inattention to the cure of their reſpective maladies, in order as well to remedy them, as trace out the ſource from which ſuch inhuman negligence originates.

This Committee ſhould have a diſcretionary power from the governors, &c. to examine, with the moſt ſcrupulous attention, the diſpoſition and character of thoſe who are candidates for any office, internal or external, belonging to hoſpitals. In order to have ample ſatisfaction in this momentous particular, I would recommend that each candidate ſhould undergo the following, or ſome ſimilar examination, viz.

[32]

What life did they lead antecedent to this particular period? whether moral or debauched? religious or profligate?

What capacity in the commerce of ſociety did they fill? whether they diſcharged with probity the relative duties annexed to ſuch employment?

And particularly, what was generally reputed to be the natural bent of their diſpofition; whether moroſe or humane? for, from the man of humanity, the diſcharge of all ſocial obligation is as reaſonably expected, as their violation is to be apprehended from a man of a contrary ſtamp.

If the candidates could undergo a liberal examination of this tendency, corroborated by ſome reſpectable characters of their acquaintance, they might with propriety be admitted, otherwiſe not.

This would infallibly annihilate partial recommendation—the contaminated ſource from which various evils flow to the human race—as there is no line of diſcrimination or diſtinction drawn by it, between the worthy and unworthy, often beſtowing upon ignorance and inhumanity appointments, to which in moral rectitude genius, [33]us and philanthropy have the juſteſt claim. I am very well convinced from my obſervations on human nature in the melancholy ſtages of perturbation of ſpirit, and corporeal pain, that a patient's cure is as much accelerated by the tenderneſs and humanity of the nurſe, as by the moſt obedient conformity to the preſcriptions of the doctor; and that to effectuate a cure in the body, I hold it abſolutely neceſſary to maintain peace in the mind. It is evident from this, how eſſential it is to the health of a patient, to have an affectionate tender nurſe; and conſequently how neceſſary the precaution here recommended for the admiſſion of ſuch—as alſo the rejection of ſuch others, as do not fall under this denomination.

This committee ſhould have a power of ſuſpending any officer or ſervant already employed in the hoſpitals, on preferring and ſubſtantiating any charge of injuſtice, inattention, or inhumanity againſt them; and alſo of ſubſtituting in their room others, who, after examination, ſhould be found poſſeſſed of the qualifications already particularized.

The committee ſhould conſiſt of about eight perſons, of which number a phyſician and ſurgeon ſhould always make two. The neceſſity of adding profeſſional gentlemen [34]will appear obvious for the following reaſons:

  • Firſt. The patients under a phyſician may have a very juſt cauſe of complaint, and though the Humane Society might be diſpoſed to remove it, yet from a want of profeſſional knowledge, they might (through the inſinuations of the ſiſters and nurſes) be induced to believe, that ſuch treatment as the patient received, was neceſſary for the correction of his diſorder; and that it was the doctor's expreſs requiſition to purſue invariably ſuch and ſuch preſcriptions: a gentleman of the faculty being of the committee, will eaſily diſcover, whether the treatment ſuch patient receives is or was adapted to remove his complaints; or whether the proceſs preſcribed is ſanctified by experience, for being efficacious in removing maladies ſimilar to thoſe under which the patient labours. — If not, the report of the phyſician belonging to the Humane Committee to the Humane Committee at large, would point out an abuſe, which, for want of this profeſſional inveſtigation, would remain concealed; and which, in my opinion, would deſerve particular reprehenſion. And if a remonſtrance, from the Humane Committee to ſuch phyſician, did not immediately [35]produce a variation in the ſubſequent treatment of his patients, a report then to be made to the governors, ſubſcribers, &c. at large, who, on the impartial confirmation of ſuch dangerous inattention, ſhould prevent a repetition of ſuch delinquency by the ſuſpenſion of its author.
  • Secondly, The ſurgeon, to be added to the Humane Committee, to have an equal ſuperintending controul, and unlimited priviledge of inſpection as the doctor, into the ſurgeons patients, their maladies and manner of treatment; and alſo any neglect, incapacity, or inattention in thoſe gentlemen, whoſe immediate province it ſhould be to attend this deſcription of patients, and to make the neceſſary report as in the caſe of the phyſician.

It is a matter of no conſequence to the unhappy patient, who loſes his health for want of due care, whether his misfortune is attributable to the inhumanity of the nurſe, or the inattention or ignorance of his doctor; and here I cannot avoid obſerving, that as much from theſe cauſes, as from any incurable obſtinacy of his diſorder, the patient's diſſolution happens.—Whether abuſes of this magnitude, fraught with conſequences the moſt conſpicuouſly ſubverſive of the original intention of theſe [36]inſtitutions, demand the interpoſition of the protecting hand of humanity, I leave it to the ſenſibility of the feeling mind to determine!

I would not be underſtood here to make the moſt diſtant inſinuation, that the inſtances are many, where patients ſuffer through the ignorance of the phyſicians or ſurgeons, and even when they do it is more from negligence than any profeſſional inability; for if they will not ſedulouſly examine the patient's complaint, they undoubtedly muſt be ignorant of it, and conſequently of the moſt efficacious manner of treating it. An imputation of this ſpecies of ignorance they very frequently and very juſtly deſerve. I think inclination ſhould co-operate with duty, in expediting the cure of diſorders which time makes—multiply in malignity—to the inſupportable multiplication of the unhappy patient's afflictions!

Theſe affecting conſiderations ſhould be particularly attended to by the Humane Committee.

With reſpect to the young gentlemen who walk the hoſpital for information, that levity which is almoſt the inſeparable characteriſtic of youth in any profeſſion, prevents [37]them from paying that compaſſionate attention to the preſent diſorder (which without being radically cured lays the foundation of the future calamity) of patients, that they ſo preſſingly demand.—To remedy this evil, it is indiſpenſibly incumbent on the ſenior practitioners to recommend by precept, and enforce by example, the humane attention here recommended, and a doubt cannot remain of ſuch conduct being circumſpectly copied: it would not only imperceptibly introduce a profeſſional, but alſo a humane emulation amongſt them, eſpecially when they conſider, that humanity gives the higheſt poliſh to their profeſſional character. I muſt aſſert with regret, that at preſent, the majojority of the young gentlemen who walk our different hoſpitals are very little under the dominion of the humane power of ſympathy; for it is no uncommon thing to hear ſome of them (wrapt up in all the coxcombical conſequence [...] of ſelf-admiration) hum an opera tune while an operation is performing on a fellow-creature. To this perhaps it may be replied, that the frequency of operations and amputations familiarizes them to ſuch affecting ſights, and that there is a profeſſional neceſſity for a ſurgeon's being diveſted of the feminine weakneſs of pity, in deſperate eaſes. To the propriety of this I readily ſubſcribe, ſo [38]far as courage is neceſſary to the performance of thoſe hazardous undertakings; but this admiſſion by no means implies, that inſenſibility is a neceſſary qualification in the conſtitution of a ſurgeon: the contrary, as has been already ſhewn, is the caſe. He muſt ſet out with very little humanity indeed, who has loſt it all before he has acquired ſo much knowledge in his profeſſion as will in ſome ſort apologize for the want of it. But as the conſideration of youth makes this matter as much the object of admonition as reprehenſion, I would recommend it to thoſe young gentlemen to conſider, that humanity will always ſtamp a dignity on the profeſſion, which moroſeneſs will rob it of; and that in their endeavours to become ſurgeons, they ſhould never forget—that they are men—and gentlemen—appellations, to which a perſeverance in an unfeeling conduct of this kind, will utterly exclude them from having the leaſt pretentions.

The Humane Committee ſhould viſit the hoſpital every week, that is, a phyſician and three other members, one week; and a ſurgeon and three other members, the next; and ſo on alternately: but if the intervention of any unexpected or extraordinary circumſtance made it neceſſary, according as each diviſion informed the other, the whole to attend.

[39]

That in the courſe of theſe joint examinations, they ſhould make a report to the governors or ſubſcribers, &c. at their general meetings of every thing, which in the courſe of ſuch enquiry, preſented itſelf to them as a proper object of reformation or correction, which muſt be collected principally from the ſtate and information of the patients—ſuch as inattention, ſeverity, or partiality, or any other inconvenience ariſing to the patients by omiſſion or commiſſion, from the ſervants, nurſes, &c. either by a cenſurable neglect, or a wanton violation of the ſacred obligations of the inſtitution.

It will probably be objected here, by ſome critic who has more imaginary wiſdom than real humanity, that giving a power of ſo extenſive a latitude to one phyſician and one ſurgeon, as to ſuperintend the practice and conduct of all the phyſicians and ſurgeons attending each reſpective hoſpital, where this regulation ſhould be eſtabliſhed, would multiply the evil it was calculated to remove, by being productive of profeſſional alteration. But this objection will be entirely obviated, when it is conſidered, that the phyſician and ſurgeon belonging to the Humane Committee being inverted with no further authority, than to ſee that the patients are [40]not neglected in their reſpective profeſſional department, their office conſequently cannot be conſidered as a tribunal to bring characters of well eſtabliſhed abilities in their profeſſion, to the bar of examination. Their abilities are not the ſubject or object of the committee's enquiry: it is the impartial, attentive and humane exerciſe of thoſe abilities which will fall under their inveſtigation. And as the idea of their ſuperior abilities is generally and I think juſtly acquieſced in, ſo the exerciſe of them in the line of their dute ſhould be enforced. Merit, it is true, is the principal recommendation to any public employment whatever; but it is not the only one, for next to the indiſpenſible neceſſity of knowing any public profeſſional duty is that of ſaithfully performing it. But care ſhould be always taken in accurately drawing a line of diſtinction between accidental and intentional guilt. That is, acting contrary to the ſpirit of the inſtitution from ignorance, or from a depravity of ſentiment. It will in ſuch caſes be in the diſcretion of the Committee to proportion the puniſhment to the crime.

This committee ſhould be perpetual, as well to prevent future, as to correct preſent abuſes. It ſhould be choſen annually, or quarterly, &c. as the wiſdom of the governours [41]ſhould point out, or as the neceſſity of the patients might demand. A ſalary to be appointed to the uſe of the phyſician and ſurgeon, bearing proper proportion to their merit, and the fidelity with which they would be found to diſcharge the humane appointment they ſhould be now called to.

Wiſdom and experience have found it neceſſary in diſcharging the great commercial conſtitutional duties of the ſtate, to inſtitute reciprocal checques in the different departments of it—and to this inſtitution is principally owing the fidelity with which theſe important truſts are diſcharged. The rule will immediately apply to the diſcharge of the offices of humanity in hoſpitals,—and ſurely the one is not leſs important than the other—conſequently demands an equal vigilance in its adminiſtration.

I would have the Humane Committee ſee that the clergyman ſhould viſit the hoſpital every day—preparing thoſe that are likely to die, for ſo tremendous a change, and admoniſhing thoſe that are likely to live, to purſue the paths of virtue, as the moſt likely means of preſerving future health, and procuring happineſs—for it is an indelible reproach to Chriſtianity, the general neglect of this great—this important conſideration at preſent. And as divines in general are not remarkable for doing more than their duty, I would ſee that [42]in the preſent caſe they ſhould not do [...] leſs. And that this additional labour ſhould not militate againſt their intereſt, they ſhould have an additional ſalary for performing it. This would make their duty their intereſt.—and I believe (without intending any offence to the cloth) I may ſay would be one reaſon why they would perform ſuch duty with alacrity.

Obſervations to enforce the foregoing Motives of Reform.

Though the internal regulations of hoſpitals may vary in particulars, yet their general object is the ſame. They are all appropriated to ſome benevolent purpoſe or other—for the relief of human miſery, in whatever variety of ſhapes it may aſſume, and to comfort the comfortleſs. As this is a fact univerſally known, what I write reſpecting one applies to all. I therefore moſt pathetically recommend a general enquiry to be made into the abuſes here complained of—and ſincerely wiſh, that a general reformation may be the conſequence. There cannot be a more ample field for the exerciſe of general benevolence than ſuch an inveſtigation—and if entered upon with the ſpirit of unanimity, muſt reſcue the national character from the illiberal, though unjuſt imputation of foreigners, on the intolerable abuſe of our public charities, who ſay, "That there are very few monuments of our humanity here beſides ſtone!"

[43]

I have chalked out the foregoing line for accompliſhing this much-to be-wiſhed-for reformation, without being the leaſt tenacious, whether the plan I have delineated will be literally purſued or not. To the ſuperior wiſdom of the governors, &c. I implicitly ſubmit my humble efforts, in recommending a better regulation in our hoſpitals than at preſent characterizes them, and if the moae I have ſuggeſted does not meet their approbation, as to manner, I have the pleaſure to anticipate it will be adopted as to matter. It is indifferent to me what means are purſued ſo the end is obtained. An effectual reformation of the abuſes here alluded to, was my motive in taking up my pen, and I have a ſecret pleaſure in hoping, that the co-operation of the governors, &c. will bring, to a benevolent concluſion, what I had the good fortune to begin, not doubting, but their humanity will adopt the hint, and their wiſdom point out the moſt effectual means of carrying it into execution.

The French nation (though diſtinguiſhed for peculiar levity and national volatility) are by no means diveſted of the exalted feelings of humanity. Their hoſpitals are many, and under excellent regulations, particularly ſince a reformation of the nature here recommended has taken place there, which brought to light a number of enormities that otherwiſe would have lain covered in the oblivion of venality. But there is not ſo extenſive a field [44]for abuſe in their charities as in ours—as in point of wealth our hoſpitals have a decided ſuperiority—and this advantage, which could be converted to the additional accommodation of theſe receptacles of affliction, is one of the ſources from whence the majority of the evils here complained of flow—for, extenſive wealth will ever give birth to peculation, and peculation to infidelity, in the diſcharge of lucrative truſts.—

As it muſt be admitted, that we frequently copy the faſhionable abſurdities of our Gallic neighbours, let us convince them and the world, that we are alſo capable of imitating their virtues, by adopting a plan ſimilar to that they have purſued, for correcting the flagrant abuſes committed in the adminiſtration of our public charities: a work, which whoever ſets on foot, that will redound no leſs to their immortal honour, than the endowments of theſe hoſpitals do to their godlike founders, and will, in conjunction with ſuch dignified names, hand theirs down to the lateſt poſterity, with the veneration and reſpect, that diſintereſtedneſs and humanity will ever receive from a ſenſible and generous people.

Humanity is the moſt diſtinguiſhing characteriſtic of human perfection—any man diveſted of it, ſhould be diveſted of all the ſocial privileges of a rational being. It is in [45]man, what mercy is in the gracious author of our exiſtence! and the greateſt poſſible degree of excellence our nature (conſidering its inſeparable imperfections) is capable of arriving at, is to be humane—It comprehends every ſocial obligation that unites man to man. Religion is but a name, and man a two legged monſter without it. As humanity is therefore the unadulterated religion of nature, I would wiſh to impreſs this conſequential truth on the minds of mankind; THAT AN EXTERNAL CONFORMITY TO GOSPEL INJUNCTIONS, CAN NEVER BE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD, UNACCOMPANIED BY INTERNAL MOTIVES OF HUMANITY, AND THE ACTUAL DISCHARGE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS.

The love of God is religion; the love of man, humanity. So that it is evident it is no leſs a Chriſtian duty, "To love God above all things, than our neighbours as ourſelves."— The latter duty, left unperformed, makes the pretentions to the former as abſurd as impious. How neceſſary therefore to recommend and enforce this ſecondary obligation of mankind! eſpecially as our own happineſs is ſo immediately connected with the diſcharge of this benevolent duty—as we have the moſt unequivocal aſſurance, from the divine author of our redemption, that if we act with humanity towards our diſtreſſed brethren, he will act with mercy towards us; that is, if we ſhew benevolence, we ſhall find mercy. This [46]is a conſideration of the greateſt magnitude that can poſſibly attract the attention. or exerciſe the rational faculties of man! and conſequently the moſt uſeful to be preached and practiced. This is the religion which every man ſhould openly profeſs and inwardly believe; and in which no man need be aſhamed to live or afraid to die! Humanity with any ſyſtem of Chiſtian religion muſt be acceptable to heaven; any without it, an abomination!

I hope therefore the united motives of Chriſtianity and humanity will animate every generous ſpark of benevolence in the mind of the governors, &c. (in which thoſe virtues appeared to be ſuſpended by ſuffering with impunity the abuſes and neglects here complained of), and that they will accordingly take ſuch neceſſary ſteps as will guard thoſe benevolent inſtitutions from abuſe, neglect, or degeneracy. What a heart-felt congratulation it muſt be to them, in every ſubſequent ſtage of life, to reflect, that at one and the ſame time, they have diſcharged the ſacred duties of Chriſtianity, and complied with the natural dictates of humanity! but, on the contrary, how agonizing would it be to their exalted ſenſibility, to apprehend that thoſe pious and humane intentions ſhould be counteracted by the depravity of the perſons entruſted with the execution of them. The native benevolence of his own mind, prevents a good man from even ſuſpecting that ſuch [47]depraved characters as are here deſcribed, have an exiſtence—his own innate goodneſs being the ſtandard by which he charitably, tho' erroneouſly, eſtimates the characters of others by: but though this unſuſpicious good-nature is the moſt infallible characteriſtic of a generous mind; yet it by no means implies a neceſſary knowledge of mankind, for it is well known, that both in principle and practice, no two diſtinct things, ſtand in more diametric oppoſition to one another, than man and man. It is therefore but half of a good man's duty to act well himſelf; the other half conſiſts in making thoſe under his immediate controul act well alſo.

In a matter of ſuch importance to ſociety at large, as the reſtoration of the health of perhaps ſome thouſands, ſo as to be enabled to reſume lives of independent induſtry, too much care cannot be taken, to ſee that the operations for ſo ſalutary a purpoſe are not retarded by the intervention of any ſiniſter or intereſted motives, or even by the neglect of thoſe, whoſe immediate province it is to ſee theſe benevolent purpoſes carried into execution. Humanity is capable of degenerating into a criminal forgiveneſs in good-natured minds. From this miſguided notion of its principle, good-natured men frequently forgive through compaſſion, what they ought to puniſh through juſtice. This error they are inſenſibly led into by endeavouring to avoid [48]the oppoſite character of ſeverity. But, it ſhould be engraved with an damantine pencil, on tablets of the moſt laſting tempered ſteel, as a maxim for the regulation of the conduct of mankind—That there ſhould always be a WREATH for the ADVOCATES, and a ROD for the ENEMIES of Humanity.

I ſhall make no apology for the above digreſſion, from a conviction, that my humane readers will coincide with me in the opinion, that any deviation from the immediate ſubject which is calculated to enforce the abſolute neceſſity that exiſts of a reformation in our Hoſpitals (and alſo the general good likely to ariſe from it) cannot be conſidered as unintereſting or unimportant.

Should the adoption of the foregoing hints of reformation be thought likely to conduce to the obtaining the ends propoſed, The Humane Committee would, in the exerciſe of their new-inveſted authority, inavoidably be preſented with numberleſs objects of correction and reformation at the ſame time. This conſideration reſtrains a great many particulars; which I otherwiſe would here recommend to their attention. But ſhould I have the happineſs to ſee, that theſe labours of mine ſhould be productive of an enquiry into the abuſes alluded to, and that any conſequent reſolutions ſhould be entered into for the final accompliſhment of ſo benevolent a purpoſe, I will [49]chearfully give any aſſiſtance in the power of my circumſcribed abilities, towards ſuggeſting or digeſting a plan, for the better diſpoſition and arrangement of the reformation here recommended; and for the facilitating and carrying into execution, ſuch a ſcheme in all its poſſible latitude, and with as little additional expence as may be, to the reſpective inſtitutions.

There is ſhortly, it is reported, a general regulation and reformation intended to take place in our priſons and work houſes by a reviſion of the ſtatutes relating to them. I devoutly wiſh it may be true! for humanity calls loudly for it. Why ſhould the temporary legiſlators of hoſpitals be backward in ſetting or copying ſo laudable an example? The objects in hoſpitals have a ſtronger claim to compaſſion than either the inhabitants of priſons or workhouſes, upon this very intereſting ground of humanity.—That the latter are generally in [...]ealth, and the former generally firſt [...]or [...] pain; and it will, I think, be admi [...] without heſitation, that ſickneſs and corpo [...]al pain are the bittereſt ingredients in the [...] cup of life, and conſequently more [...] [...]m [...]diate objects of human compaſſion [...] ſubordinate calamities incident [...] For—

Beneath the weight of ſickneſs and of pain,
The body and mind an equal ſhare ſuſtain.
FINIS.
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Citation Suggestion for this Object
TextGrid Repository (2020). TEI. 5519 An essay on humanity or a view of abuses in hospitals With a plan for correcting them By William Nolan. University of Oxford Text Archive. . https://hdl.handle.net/21.T11991/0000-001A-6178-0