The two foundations of St. Bartholomew's Hospital : A. D. 1123 and A. D. 1546, being an introductory address given at a meeting of the Abernethian Society, October 8th, 1885 / by W. Morrant Baker.

  • William Morrant Baker
Date:
1885
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The two foundations of St. Bartholomew's Hospital : A. D. 1123 and A. D. 1546, being an introductory address given at a meeting of the Abernethian Society, October 8th, 1885 / by W. Morrant Baker. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    promifeth, and will undoubtedly pay, have here received nothing elfe but for a commune benefit, an open detraction, and the poor (as fhall after- ward appear) a larger hindrance. Where in the mean feafon notwithftanding, there have been healed of the Pocks, Fiftulaes, filthy Blains and Sores, to the number of eight hundred, and thence fafe delivered, that other having need may enter in their room. Befide eight fcore and twelve, that have there forfaken this life, in their intolerable miferies and griefes, which elfe might have dyed, and ftunck in the eyes and nofes of the city, for all thefe charity tenderers, if this place had not vouched fafe to become a pump alone, to eafe a commune abhorring.” And then, after referring to the large expenditure necessary, “ The wages of the chirurgions, and fuch officers and fervants, as needfully are attendant about the poor, the charges of bedding and fhift for fo many fore and difeafed, and the exceffive prices of all things at this day,” he adds, “ they might both marvell how fo many are there relieved, and daily main- tained ; and with repentance” [and here is another hard knock] “of that they have miffaid, endevour themfelves with as much good report and praife, to advance both the deed and the doers, to wipe away the flander, as they have to hinder them both by the contrary.” However, as he says, it is “doubtfull whether they will do as they may, and of confcience are bounden.”