Hospitals and Medical Institutions

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Hospitals and Medical Institutions**

Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. - Before the year 606 there was a priory, on the south side of the city, not far from the Liffey, called the Priory of Kilmaignend, from St. Magnend, whose festival was observed the 18th December. Within the cemetery of this priory, in a place now* *called the Hospital Fields, a lofty stone pillar of rude workmanship is pointed out as the burying-place of Brian Boromhe, king of Ireland, and Murchad his son, who fell in the battle of Clontarf in 1014; but this is quite erroneous, for the bodies of Brian and his son were borne from the field of battle to the monastery of St. Columba at Swords, seven miles north of Dublin, and were there laid in state, until Maelmurry Mac Eoch, Primate of Armagh, arrived with the sacred reliques, and removed them to his Cathedral, where they were solemnly interred in stone coffins, according to the request of Brian himself. The pillar which is shown, is the remains of an ancient cross.

On the site of Kilmaignend was erected the ancient priory of Kilmainham, established in 1174, by Richard Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, for Knights Templars, under the invocation of St. John the Baptist; and a confirmation was granted by Henry II., the same year. After bestowing the lands of Kilmainham on this priory, Strongbow expired in 1176, and was interred in Christ Church.

The first prior was Hugh de Cloghall, who held that office about 1190, after whose government King John granted to the City of Dublin, that “the Knights Termplars, or Hospitallers, should hold neither person or messuage exempt from the common customs of the city, one alone excepted.”

Edward II. having sent a mandate, the Templars were seized upon in 1307, on the day of the Purification, in every part of the kingdom, and confined in the Castle of Dublin. The institution of the order of Knights Templars was peculiarly calculated to suit the romantic and chivalrous age in which it arose, viz. about 1118, and so powerful was its influence, that, during the 200 years which this order existed, it had actually acquired 16,000 lordships.

Their conduct, however, afforded ample grounds to the avaricious and designing Philip of France, to impeach their reputation; and upon charges of sorcery, idolatry, and other dreadful crimes, to confiscate their estates and imprison their persons. Edward II. followed this example; and after a solemn trial held in Dublin, before Friar Richard Balybyn, Minister of the order of Dominicans, the Templars were condemned, but more in conformity with the general feeling of the rest of Europe, than from any evidence of their infamy.

The lands and possessions of this priory were then bestowed upon the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem by the Pope, and the grant confirmed by the King; and it became an hospital for guests and strangers, to the complete exclusion of the infirm and sick, who had been always received by the Knights Templars. The priory was henceforth held by persons of great rank, and many priors were also chancellors and Lords Deputy of Ireland, and every prior sat at a Baron in the House of Lords.

James Keating, prior in 1482, having seized on the Castle of Dublin, and disposed of the property of the hospital, was removed from his office, and excommunicated. But Keating seized on Marmaduke Lomley, the person appointed to succeed him, and compelled him to resign. He next lent his warmest support to the scheme of raising Lambert Simnell to the throne of England. It was then enacted that the pnor of Kilmainham should henceforth be a person of English descent; and John Rawson, an Englishman, was elected prior, some years after Keating’s excommunication. In 1535, Rawson, with the consent of the chapter, surrendered the priory and all its possessions to the King, for which he was created Viscount Clontarf, with a salary of 500 marks.

Archbishop Brown, obtained a licence from Henry VIII. March 8th, 1545, the year before that monarch’s death, to unite the church of St. John the Baptist, at Kilmainham, and that of St. James without the suburbs, to the church of St. Catharine within the suburbs. But Cardinal Pole, the Pope’s legate, restored the prior of Kilmainham to his authority about 12 years afterwards; and March 8th, 1557, Mary confirmed him in his possessions, and regranted the priory to Sir Oswald Massingberd, who held the office until the second year of Queen Elizabeth, when it was annexed to the crown, and continued so until the reign of Charles II. The property of the priory was gradually disposed of to private persons, for pecuniary consideration, and to the cathedral and churches gratuitously.

About 1675, Arthur, Earl of Granard, first entertained the idea of instituting an asylum for invalid superannuated soldiers; and Arthur Capel, Earl of Essex, then Lord Lieutenant, was so much struck with the nobleness of the plan, that he directed a proper site to be forthwith selected; nothing further, however, was done during his government. Afterwards owing to the incessant application of the Duke of Ormond, on the same subject, Charles II. was induced to grant his request.

A committee was appointed (Oct. 27th, 1679,) to make an estimate of the number of invalids requiring accommodation, and to inspect the ground within the park wall, in the south of the river.

The first stone of the edifice was laid by his Grace, April 29th, 1680; and the second by Francis Earl of Longford, Master-general of the Ordnance. It was built after a design of Sir Christopher Wren, and was completed in less than three years, for 23,559l. (An abstract of this charter may be seen in Harris)

In 1688, Richard Talbot, Earl of Tyrconnel, represented to James II. that the charter was defective; and Lord Chancellor Fitton declared, that the tenure of the hospital and lands, to be held for ever in Frank Almoigne,” was illegal, whereupon they supplicated his majesty to withdraw the charter. Lord Tyrconnel then became absolute master, admitted Roman Catholics to the benefits of the hospital, and had the service of the church of Rome celebrated in the hospital chapel.

The charter, however, was preserved by Robert Curtis, Esq. Registrar, who escaped with it into England, and detained it in his custody, until he surrendered it to Charles Fielding the Master, some time after James’s abdication.

The building, which is now most commonly called the Old Man’s hospital, is a pile 306 feet by 288, having in its interior a handsome court-yard, 210 feet square, with grass plats, intersected by four walks meeting in the centre; this is surrounded on three sides and part of the fourth by a piazza (13 feet wide) formed by 59 Doric arches, and affording a covered passage to the dining-hall, in the centre of the north front. This hall, which is 100 feet by 50, has the lower half of its walls wainscotted with oak, and painted white. The guns, swords, &c. are arranged as in an armoury, and on the upper part of the walls are 22 full-length portraits.

[At the west end, next the gallery. 1. Charles II. - 2. William III. - Queen Mary. - 4. Queen Anne. - 5. George, Prince of Denmark. - 6. Lionel, Duke of Dorset, Lord Lt. 1737. - 8. James, Duke of Ormond, Lord Lt. 1662. - 9. Thomas Earl of Ossory, Lord Deputy, 1664. - 10. Richard, Earl of Arran, Lord Deputy, 1684. - 11. Michael Boyle, Lord Primate, a Lord Justice, 1685. - 12. Thomas Lord Coningsby, Lord Justice, a 1690. - 13. Sir Cyril Wyche, a Lord Justice, 1693. - 14. Sir Charles Porter, Lord Chancellor, a Lord Justice, 1696. - 15. Henry, Earl of Galway, a Lord Justice, 1697. - 16. Narcissus Marsh, Lord Primate, a Lord Justice, 1699. - 17. Charles, Earl of Berkeley, a Lord Justice, 1699. 18. Laurance, Earl of Rochester, Lord Lieut., 1701. - 19. General Thomas Erle, a Lord Justice, 1702. At the east end, 20. Thomas Knightly, Esq., a Lord Justice, 1702. - 21. Sir Richard Cox, Lord Chancellor, a Lord Justice, 1704. - 22. Lieutenant-General Frederick Hamilton, a Lord Justice, 1718.]

A gallery leading from the apartments of the commander of the forces (who resides as governor), to the chapel, runs along the south side of the hall, supported by brackets of carved oak, representing different figures, as large as life. The ceiling is in a very massive and heavy style, divided into three compartments, the centre one of which is occupied by the dial of a clock, about 10 feet in diameter.

At the east end is a large door-way opening into the chapel, which is 80 feet by 40. The appearance of the chapel is extremely imposing and venerable; the large east window is ornamented with painted glass, and beneath is the communion-table of carved Irish oak, beautifully executed. The ceiling is coved, and divided into compartments of, perhaps, the riches stucco-work in the kingdom. The governor’s seat is beneath a canopy in the gallery, at the west end of the chapel; and there are a few pews at either side, for the accommodation of the difference officers of the hospital.

The remains part of the north side of the quadrangle is occupied by the commander of the forces, and usually called the Governor’s house. These apartments are beautifully situated, commanding a view of an extensive and highly-cultivated valley, watered by the Liffey, and of the grounds of Phoenix park, with the Wellington Testimonial, the Royal Infirmary, and Sarah Bridge.

The north front, which contain the governor’s apartments, hall and chapel, has a projecting centre, decorated with four Corinthian pilasters and a pediment. In this is a door-way, likewise adorned with pilasters and a semi-circular pediment, and above it are the arms of the Duke of Ormond; on either side is one large arched window. From this centre rises the steeple, the lower story of which is a square tower with an arched window on each side, crowned with a heavy entablature, and an urn at each angle. The second division is of less diameter and height and contains a clock; the whole terminates in a short spire, with a ball and vane.

The front, on each side of the centre, has large circular-headed windows nearly the height of the building, and in the roof, which is greatly elevated, are dormers.

There are upwards of 260 pensioner’s, who are comfortably clad and fed, and have each one pound of bread and two quarts of beer every day, with 18 ounces of mutton twice a week, and the same quantity of beef on three days, with an allowance of cheese on the other days. Sir David Baird, when commander of the forces, restored the costume worn by the pensioners in the reign of Charles II.

At convenient distances round the hospital are different offices, viz. the deputy governor’s house, the infirmary, &c. Besides the resident pensioners of this asylum, there are upwards of 3,000 out-door pensioners supported by his Majesty’s bounty. At the institution of the hospital, its expenses were defrayed by a deduction from the pay of the soldiers and officers on actual service, but this has wisely been discontinued. The annual expenditure for the support of the establishment, is under 20,0001., and that of the externs amounts to about 50,000l.

The approach was formerly through the most disagreeable and filthy part of the town, but this is remedied by a road through the hospital grounds and Lord Galway’s walk, and is now a pleasant drive on the banks of the Liffey, called the Military road: the entrance is through an embattled gateway on Usher’s Island, after a design by Francis Johnson, Esq., an architect to whom Dublin is indebted for many of its recent structures and embellishments.

The principal officers of state are appointed governors by charter. The Master, Deputy Master, Chaplain, Surgeon, Registrar; &c. reside at the Hospital.

Blue-Coat Boys’ Hospital, Blackhall-street. - The noblest charitable institution in Dublin is the Old Blue-Coat Hospital (originally in Queen-street), established at the expense of the corporation of Dublin, to whom Charles II. granted a charter for that purpose in 1670.

The original plan was of a most extensive, and, indeed, impracticable nature, its object being to give shelter to all the poor of the city; but this extravagant project was relinquished for one more rational and feasible, namely, to educate and maintain the sons of freemen who had been unsuccessful in trade. The building, although of mean appearance in front, covered a considerable space, and previously to the erection of the Parliament-house in 1729, the Parliament sat in this hospital.

The present edifice, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1773, by Earl Harcourt, then Lord Lieutenant, stands opposite the extremity of Blackhall-street, on Oxmantown (A corruption of Ostman, or Eastman, town) Green. The architect was Thomas Ivory, who also built Lord Newcomen’s Bank in Castle-street The front, consisting of a centre and wings, is of Portland stone it extends 300 feet, and faces a handsome court enclosed with iron railing on a dwarf wall.

The body of the building, which is 90 feet long by 45 in height, consists of a rusticated basement, principal floor, and mezzanine; the central division is decorated with four Ionic columns, supporting a pediment. The entablature of the order is continued along the front, which has two windows, and two mezzanines above, on either side of the centre. Above the latter a tower was to have been erected, but for want of funds this has never been executed, although the octagonal basement has been actually commenced.

This part of the building is appropriated solely to the use of the resident officers of the establishment, such as Chaplain, Registrar, Master, &c. with the exception of a Record and a Board Room, the latter of which is an extremely elegant apartment. Here may be seen a drawing of the elevation as it was designed by the architect; from which there is an excellent engraving; in Malton’s Views, and one in those published by Poole and Cash in 1780.

The wings are connected to the body by two curved screen walls, ornamented with niches, and surmounted by a stone balustrade; behind these screens the different buildings, which are only plastered, are exposed to view, as well as the sides of the chapel and school-room, which considerably diminishes the merit of this very elegant design.

The wings have a projecting break in the middle, crowned with a pediment, and a large arched window placed within an arcade; on either side of this projection is a niche with a festoon above. There are no windows in the basement, but beneath the great window is a large pannel. In the north wing is the chapel, 65 feet by 32, plain but well-proportioned: the altar-piece, executed by Waldré, represents the Resurrection.

In the opposite wing is the schoolroom, where are portraits of George II. and his Queen, William and Mary, and some others, which were removed hither front the Tholsel, when that building was taken down. There are several buildings at the rear, viz. dormitories, dining-hall, and Infirmary, also a large bowling-green, where the boys exercise. Upwards of 20,000l. has already been expended, and certainly not less than 10,000*l. *more would be requisite to finish the building according to the original design.

The number of boys is between 150 and 200, the age for whose admission is from 8 to 12. At present the funds are incapable of supporting more than 110.

Besides the sons of freemen, who are presented to the hospital by the corporation, there are seven presented by the Lord Chief Justice of the King’s Bench.

There are 50 supported on the establishment by the governors of Sir Erasmus Smith’s charitable fund.

Henry Osborn, of Dardistown, in the county of Meath, Esq. bequeathed 1,000l. to this hospital, on condition that the Lord Bishop of Meath, as trustee to his will, should have the right of presentation to ten vacancies in the hospital; and James Southwell, Esq. bequeathed a sum of 450l. for the support of two boys, the vacancies to be filled by order of the Rector of St. Werburgh’s parish.

The revenues of the hospital, which arise from various sources, amount to about 4,000l. per annum; part of which is derived from landed property in Tipperary, Wexford, and Dublin; 250l. per annum from the corporation of Dublin, in lieu of a toll on corn; and about 300 guineas per annum paid by the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs on being elected; together with the emoluments of the treasurership, 228l. per annum, which Lord Downes (the late Chief Justice) so charitably resigned for the benefit of the hospital. The guild of merchants subscribe 20l. per annum for the support of a mathematical master, to instruct 10 boys destined for a sea-faring life; and when the boys are sufficiently educated and arrived at a proper age, they are apprenticed to persons in respectable trades, with an accompanying fee of 5l., which is very frequently returned to the charity.

The manner in which this charity has been conducted for a number of years, affords a strong presumption in favour of the system of governing by a number of respectable persons, *not deriving pecuniary advantage *from their directorships; for there is not an establishment in this metropolis governed with more prudence, more economy, or upon more liberal and independent principles. **

Marine School**. - This humane and useful institution, which is situated on Sir John Rogerson’s quay, on the north side of the Liffey, owes its origin to the united efforts of David Latouche, and several other gentlemen, who commiserating the destitute situation of those orphans whose parents devoted the most valuable years of their existence to the preservation of their country in the war of 1760, established an asylum at Ringsend for the purpose of clothing, boarding, and educating the orphans and sons of seafaring men.

Into this establishment, about 20 deserving objects were admitted to the enjoyment of these advantages, about the year 1766, and the only fund for its support was derived from charitable contributions. But so useful an institution could not long remain unnoticed by a judicious government, and on June 20th 1775, the Royal Marine School obtained a charter, appointing the Lord Lieutenant, the Primate, tile Lord Chancellor, the members for the city, the Lord Mayor, the senior master of the Guild of Merchants, and the Archdeacon of Dublin, all for the time being, governors of this charity, with whom the original founders were by act incorporated. The objects of this institution are not only to support these children, but to instruct them carefully in reading, writing, arithmetic, navigation, and the sacred writings, and afterwards apprentice them to masters of vessels, to whom they are a great acquisition.

The establishment is conducted in a most creditable and economical manner by the present Master, Mr. Baker, whose sagacity readily detected the difficulty of providing for boys so instructed, after the cessation of hostilities and the decay of trade. He has accordingly introduced shoe-making, tailoring, &c as a part of their education thus reducing the expense of their clothing to less than half its former amount, and also providing for their future subsistence, when their apprenticeship shall have expired, and their services, perhaps, be ni longer required. There are 180 boys on the establishment.

The building, which is after a design of Thomas Ivory, Esq., presents a front of granite-stone, to the quays, having a court-yard before it enclosed by a wall 10 feet high; and there are wings on either side side, one of which is the chapel and the other the school-room. The upper part of the house is used as a dormitory, and the lower stones give accommodation to the master, and housekeeper. The only room in the establishment, quite unfit for the purpose to which it is applied, is the dining-hall, which is in the underground story, and is low, dark, and damp, and only requires to be visited by those in whose power it is to remedy the evil, to prove its total inadequacy and unfitness.

The infirmary is also injudiciously situated, occupying a room in the centre of the building, and some years since, when the establishment was not conducted with the care and ability which marks every part of its present arrangements, the governors were obliged to rent a lodging, at some distance from Dublin, as an infirmary. **

College of Physicians, Sir Patrick’s Dun’s Hospital**. - This body was first incorporated in the reign of Charles II., but the charter then granted having been found insufficient for the purposes for which it was designed, was surrendered in 1692, and a new one obtained from William and Mary, incorporating it by the name of the King and Queen’s College of Physicians in Ireland.

There are 14 fellows, one of whom is president; the other officers are a vice-president, four censors, a treasurer, and a registrar. The office of president circulates amongst the senior fellows of the body; the vice president is one of the censors, and the junior censor is usually the registrar. The censors are chosen indiscriminately from the fellows at large, but the four junior ones are commonly appointed. The treasurer is likewise elected from the body of the fellows.

Their charter conferred on this body considerable powers, but as it was not confirmed by Act of Parliament, they have not been exercised. Several acts have however been passed by Parliament, which confirm *parts *of the charter, and even confer new powers. The censors are now authorised by law to search the shops and warehouses of apothecaries, druggists, and chemists, and to destroy any articles of medicine which are of a bad description.

A principal share in the conduct of the School of Physic in Ireland is also, by Act of Parliament, imposed on the College of Physicians, and they still possess the power of summoning all practitioners of medicine before them in order to be examined.

The objects for which this body is designed are nearly the same as those of the College of Physicians in London, except that the Dublin College has a considerable share in the management of the medical school in Ireland [see School of Physic]; whereas there is no regular school in London. The constitutions of both Colleges resemble each other, as no physician can be a fellow of either who has not received a regular education, and passed through one of the Universities, Oxford, Cambridge, or Dublin. There are three classes of members:- 1st, Fellows, on whom the entire management of the College depends; 2nd, Honorary Fellows, who cannot take a part in the financial affairs of the College, but may be summoned to meetings on extraordinary occasions, and vote on affairs of general concern; and 3rd, Licentiates, who have nothing whatever to do with the management of the College, but may yet also summoned on occasions of importance.

The number of fellows is not *limited *by the Act to 14, whence, in case of ill heath, absence from town, or other cause preventing the attendance of any fellow, there are, generally, two or three introduced above the number, so as always to have a full board. Almost all physicians who intend practising in Dublin find it necessary to take licences from the college, for from the internal regulations adopted by the members, it would be impossible to attain respectability in the profession without a licence from the College The candidate for licence is examined during two days, on the first in anatomy, physiology, materia medica, pharmacy, chemistry and botany; on the second in all these branches, and on acute and chronic diseases and non-naturals, and in Greek.

The meetings are held at Sir Patrick Dun’s Hospital, in a board-room, which the College have reserved for their use; adjoining which is a very valuable library, consisting chiefly of old writers on medicine: no addition has been lately made to this since the Act of Parliament appropriated the surplus of the funds of the estates of Sir P. Dun to the erection of an hospital for the use of the School of Physic, and, until the execution of that object, it forbade the expenditure of any part of that revenue on the library: but the hospital bing now completed, it is expected that the library affairs will be taken, as speedily as possible, into consideration.

The officers consist of a president, four censors, and nine fellows.

The members of this College are the trustees of the estates bequeathed by Sir Patrick Dun, for the purpose of promoting medical education; they have the power of disposing of the lands, and are constituted, by Act of Parliament, Guardians of the School of Physic in Ireland. **

College of Surgeons**. - Though Ireland has always been distinguished for producing skilful surgeons, there was no regular system of education established there until 1784, when a charter was granted for the foundation of a College, which held its first meeting March 2nd, in that year; from which period the practice of surgery has improved in a manner creditable to the most enlightened nation. Candidates are first examined in classics; they are then required to serye an apprenticeship of five years to a senior practitioner; during which period they attend hospitals daily, and surgical lectures, both in the College privately. No licence is granted without a most strict examination by a Court of Examiners, who frequently reject such as are capable, without additional preparation, of obtaining a licence in London, thereby demonstrating the comparative scrupulousness of the Dublin College of granting licences.

It is not necessary for army or navy surgeons either to serve the apprenticeship or undergo So serious an examination; as they can obtain a certificate of qualification with considerably less trouble. The licentiate who happens to be rejected, may appeal to a court of 12 examiners who sometimes reverse the former decree. There are six professors who give lectures, and are paid by the tickets they dispose of to the pupils. The professorship are- 1, Anatomy and Physiology; 2. Theory and Practice of Surgery; 3. Practice of Physic; 4. Surgical Pharmacy; 5. Midwifery and the Diseases of Women and Children; and 6. Botany. The annual courses of lectures commence on the last Monday in October, and all (except botany) terminate the first week in May. The botanical course commences in April, and continues during summer.

The lecture-room can accommodate 300 persons, and to this there is attached a gallery, for the public to witness the dissection of malefactors. There are, besides, two museums (one public, the other private), a dissecting-room on a very extensive scale, and drying lofts for making preparations; the public dissecting-room contains 20 tables, at each of which two students may be employed. The demonstration-room is capable of containing about 100 persons.

The former College was situated in the midst of a wretched assemblage of small buildings at the junction of Mercer-street with Johnson’s Place, and adjoining Mercer’s Hospital; but this becoming too small for the number of students, the present building was erected at all expense of 25,000*l. *granted by parliament for that purpose, on a piece of ground in Stephen’s Green, at the corner of York-street, formerly a burial-ground of the Quakers.

The first stone was* *laid 17th March, 1806 by John, Duke of Bedford, Lord Lieutenant. It is a single neat edifice, the front of which, facing the Green, measures 45 feet; and it consists of two stories. The basement is built of mountain-granite ; the facade, which is of the Doric order, is of Portland-stone. In the hall, which would be grand, but that it wants height, is a bust of his majesty George IV.; the stair-case; and the apartments already mentioned are executed in a plain, neat, and becoming manner. The library, which is on the ground floor, is an excellent room, about 50 feet by 20, and contains a good collection of surgical works, which every licentiate is permitted to read. Over the library is an excellent collection of preparations, which, although the museum is in its infancy, are highly deserving the attention of the student in surgery.

At one end of the museum near the door, are two busts of statuary marble, the workmanship of John Smith, the one of Mr. Stewart, late surgeon-general, and the other that of surgeon Deane, a distinguished and early member of the College of Surgeons.

The board, or committee room, is a spacious apartment, with a handsome stuccoed ceiling, lighted by three large circular-headed windows ; at one end is a full-length portrait of Dr. Renny, and at the other that of James Henthorn, Esq. 30 years secretary to the College. There are many other small and convenient apartments appropriated to the use of the registrar, housekeeper, &c. **

Association of Members of the College of Physicians in Ireland, College-street**.

• This Society was instituted in 1816, for the purpose of encouraging an intimate union amongst the members of the College of Physicians, and for the general purposes of advancing medical science. The members of the College consisting of three different classes, fellows, honorary fellows, and licentiates, it was thought desirable that the individuals composing these several classes should form themselves into a society open to all members. The Association consisted, at first, of but one class of members, viz. those who belonged to the College of Physicians in Ireland, but it was subsequently determined to institute a class of corresponding members: this class contains the names of some of the most celebrated medical men on the continent, as well as those of the most respectable practitioners in England and the country parts of Ireland.

The members meet at their rooms, 21 College-green, on the evening of the first Monday in every month, when communications on medical subjects and scientific matters in general, are received arid read; the most interesting of which are selected for publication. Three volumes of Transactions have already been published.

The officers are, a president, two vice-presidents, a treasurer, librarian, and secretary. **

The School of Physic**. - is partly under the direction of the College of Physicians, and partly under that of the Board of the University, each of which bodies exerts a control over three of the six professors.

The professorships of anatomy, chemistry, and botany, are filled up by the appointment of the Board of Trinity College, who elect and pay these professors, who are thence styled University Professors: those of the practice of medicine, institutes of medicine, and materia medica, are called King’s Professors, as they derive their salaries from the legislative enactments relative to the School of Physic. These professors are chosen by five electors, three of whom are balloted for from the fellows of the College of Physicians, the fourth is the Regius Professor of Physic in the University, and the fifth the Provost. The emoluments of the University professors are liable to some fluctuation, since their salaries from the University depend on the number of students in a particular class; the remainder of their income arises from their own pupils, each of whom pays four guineas for a course of lectures. In the case of the King’s Professors, the pupils pay the same fees, but they have a fixed sum, in addition, of 100l. only per annum, so that a King’s professorship is not so lucrative as an University one.

The King’s professors deliver their lectures at Sir Patrick Dun’s Hospital, the University professors at Trinity College. All, except the professor of botany, commence their lectures on the first Monday in November, and terminate on the first Monday in May. The order in which the lectures are delivered is as follows:- at 10 o’clock, the professor of Materia Medica; at 11, the professor of the Institutes of Medicine; at 12, the patients are visited at Sir P. Dun’s Hospital by the clinical lecturer; at one, the professor of Anatomy and Surgery; at two, the professor of Chemistry; at three, the professor of the Practice of Medicine the six professors successively at-tend at Sir Patrick Dun’s Hospital, and deliver clinical lectures on the patients, each lecturer attending three months at a time. The students in medicine are of two classes the first consists of regular graduates in arts ; the second class of those who do not become students in arts, but merely matriculate in medicine: these, in three years after matriculation, are examined, and if found properly qualified, receive a diploma, which though inferior to the degree obtained by the other class, is yet on an equality with the diploma conferred at Edinburgh. The reputation of the School of Physic in Ireland is already very considerable; and it is every day rising more in public estimation. The facility with which anatomical studies can be pursued in Dublin, is one cause which gives this school an advantage over others.

The Botanic Garden is very conveniently situated for the students, being within a few minutes walk of Sir Patrick Dun’s Hospital. The system of private instruction carried on there is of the utmost utility, and the professor’s assistant gives demonstrations in the garden, which are very well attended, and from which the students cart-not fail to derive the greatest advantage. **

School of Anatomy, Medicine and Surgery, Park-street, Merrion-square**.

• This school, which was instituted, in 1824, by an association of Surgeons and Physicians, promises, to students visiting the city for the advantages of a Medical Education, a valuable addition to the many sources of information in this department which already existed here.

The building, which stands on a space 40 feet square, is of brick, consisting of two stories, in the upper one of which are circular-headed windows with architraves. The angles are of rusticated masonry, and the whole is surmounted by a pediment. On the ground floor, are a Museum 40 feet in length; a Chemical laboratory, an Office and Reading-room. On the upper floor, is the Lecture-room, which is capable of accommodating about 200 persons, and is lighted by a lantern in the roof.

The Dissecting-room, which is 40 feet long by is in breadth, is lighted from a lantern, ventilated by apertures in the floor and ceiling, and is a lofty, commodious apartment. There are likewise rooms for preparations &c. on this story.

The entire building is enclosed by a high wall neatly coped, and finished at its angles with rustic work, and in the general appearance of the whole structure, much neatness, good taste, and good feeling for the interest of the neighbourhood have been manifested.

The course of instruction comprises lectures on Anatomy, Physiology and Surgery, the Practice of Medicine, Toxicology and Animal Chemistry - Materia Medica and Pharmacy, Chemistry, Anatomical Demonstrations, and on the Diseases of the Eye, by Mr. Jacob. **

Apothecaries-Hall**. - The house of the Governor and Company of the Apothecaries-hall was erected in 1791, at an expense of 6,000l.; and is a plain building, fronting Mary-street, having extensive store-houses in the rear, and a spacious chemical laboratory, where several medical articles are prepared: the hall serves as a wholesale warehouse, where the apothecaries can procure medicines in a state of purity. Previously to the incorporation of this society, the apothecaries’ shops were supplied front the warehouses of the druggists, who were the importers, and frequently furnished very bad preparations. In order to remedy this evil an application was made to Parliament for permissions to raise and subscriptions for the purpose of erecting an Apothecaries-hall which was to be supplied with the purest medicines.

In 1791, the petition was granted, and an act passed, incorporating a society under the title of the Governor and Company of the Apothecaries-hall; 6,000l. was raised on debentures, with which the house was completed; 2,000l. more was borrowed for the outfit of the shop ; and so successful has this institution been, that the debentures, which were originally bought for 100l., now sell for from 500l. to 600l.

Lectures are delivered at the laboratory on chemistry and pharmacy, which commence on the 1st May, and continue for about two months, three times a week; the present lecturer is Mr. Donovan, a gentleman deservedly distinguished for his chemical labours

The principal duty of this society is the examination of candidates for the rank of master apothecary, without which no person can open an apothecary’s shop in this city. This examination is conducted with great strictness, and to this is to be ascribed, in a great degree, the perfection which this branch of the medical profession has attained in Dublin. Apprentices are likewise examined in a classical course previously to their being bound.

The establishment consists of a governor, deputy governor, treasurer, and secretary, and 13 directors. **

Charitable Infirmary, Jervis-street**. - The Charitable Infirmary, which was instituted at the commencement of the 18th century, was the first institution of the kind in Dublin, and owes its existence (like many other valuable establishments) solely to the benevolent exertions of a few medical men. In the year 1728, a house was opened in Cook-street, for the purposes of the charity, and, from the flourishing state of the funds, the directors were soon enabled to transfer their establishment to a more appropriate situation on the King’s Inns’ Quay, which they vacated in 1792, in order to remove to the present site in Jervis-street.

Soon after this the governors procured a charter, appointing subscribers of two guineas governors for the year, and those of 20 pounds governors for life. By some accident, the original charter was forfeited and a new one since obtained, depriving the medical officers of the right they formerly exercised of being ex *officio *governors, but still recognising their power of becoming such, on subscribing the sums above mentioned. The immediate conduct of the hospital, is vested in the hands of a managing committee of 15 governors, who act under the control of the general board, all elections for medical officers and apothecaries being in the hands of the latter.

The building, which was erected in 1803, is of the plainest description, possessing a simple brick front, having a double flight of granite steps furnished with a high iron railing, the house retires a few feet from the line of the adjoining ones. The ground floor is occupied by the surgery, board-room, and apothecary’s apartment; the rooms on the upper floors are used as wards, with the exception of two, one of which is appropriated to the use of the resident matron, and the other to operations. The board-room contains a neat library, supported by contributions from the pupils, a great number of whom attend the practice of the hospital. The house is capable of affording accommodation to 50 patients, but as the funds are not sufficient for the support of more than 30, the governors admit into the unoccupied beds, those who are able to pay for their own support, and who receive from the establishment only medicine and advice.

The funds amount to a little more than 900l. per ann.

The officers are, two physicians, nine surgeons, a registrar, a housekeeper, two nurses, and a porter. Hours of attendance, nine in winter, eight in summer.

Physicians visit on Tuesdays and Fridays, or as occasion requires ; surgeons daily, In turn.

Terms of attendance for pupils, for the:

Summer half year - Three Guineas. Winter half year - Four Guineas. **

Steeven’s-Hospital**. In 1710, Dr. Steevens, a Physician of Dublin, bequeathed his estate, amounting to 600l. per to his sister, during her life, and after her death, vested it in three trustees, for the purpose of erecting an hospital for the maintenance of sick poor, as well medical as surgical patients, to be called Steevens’s hospital. Anxious to follow the wishes of her brother, as soon as she came into possession, she immediately appropriated the greater part of the property to building the hospital, reserving to herself merely 120*l. *per annum, and apartments in the hospital; an act of public spirit and generosity which exceeds, perhaps, that of the founder himself.

It was commenced in 1720, and, in 17:33, was so far advanced as to be ready for the accommodation of 40 patients; the hospital was accordingly opened on the 2nd of July, in that year, under the management of the following governors appointed by act of parliament, eleven ex *officio, *viz. the Primate, Lord Chancellor, Lord Archbishop of Dublin, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Chief Justice of the King’s Bench, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, Dean of Christ-Church, Dean of St. Patrick’s, Provost of Trinity College, Surgeon-general; and 12 elective.

The building, situated between Bow-lane and the Liffey, is 233 feet by 204; consists of four fronts, and encloses a court, 114 feet by 94, surrounded by a piazza with a covered gallery above it. In the eastern front is the entrance by a large gateway, over which is erected a cupola, with a bell and clock; on this side are the apartments of the resident surgeon, chaplain, steward, and matron. On the north east is the board-room, where is deposited the library, bequeathed by Dr. Edward Worth, consisting of medical and miscellaneous books, adjoining is the committee-room, where patients present themselves examination.

The library is decorated with the portraits of Dr. Worth and Dr. Steevens.

In the west front are the wards, operating theatre, baths, apothecary’s shop; and in the underground story, kitchens, and laundries. The north and south fronts are occupied by wards, the upper story for women, and the lower for men: in the south-eastern angle is a chapel, where service is performed on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays’. The governors not having funds to support the entire number of patients which the house is capable of accommodating (300), have occasionally let the garret story to government for the reception of military patients; and, since the closing of the male wards of the Westmorland Lock hospital, in 1819, they have contracted with it for the support of 50 beds for the reception of venereal patients.

The annual income, independently of grants from parliament and the Irish government, is about 2,231l. The private funds arc sufficient to maintain about 160 beds, and the contributions from government support 50 or 60 additional, hence this is the most extensive surgical hospital in the city, for the great majority of patients admitted are surgical.

The medical officers are, one physician, one assistant ditto, two surgeons and two assistant ditto, non-resident, one resident surgeon and one apothecary.

The hospital is visited by the physicians and surgeons, non-resident, on Mondays and Fridays, and the dispensary is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

A very useful medical library is established for the use of the students. **

Mercer’s Hospital, Johnson’s-Place, William-street**. - This hospital, founded in the year 1734, by Mrs. Mary Mercer, is a large house built of stone, (at the corner of Stephens’ and Mercer’s streets, in Johnson’s-place), the exterior of which presents little remarkable. At its first institution it contained only 10 beds, but the number has been increased to 50; it seldom, however, happens that more than 40 are occupied, the funds not permitting it. The management of the affairs of this institution, which was incorporated by act of parliament in 1750, is intrusted to a committee of 15, chosen from amongst the governors, who meet the first and third Tuesday in each month, when two visitors are appointed.

It is almost exclusively a surgical hospital; previously, however to the building of Sir Patrick Dun’s hospital, some wards were set apart in it for the reception of medical patients; this was at that time a very desirable object, there being then no clinical hospital.

The annual income exceeds 1,000l., of which about 130l. is furnished by: subscription, 250l. by profit rents, 450l. *by *interest on money, the rest by grand jury presentments, and occasional parliamentary grants.

The medical officers are two physicians and six surgeons. The latter visit daily, and a dispensary is attached. **

Meath Hospital**. - The Meath Hospital is so called from its having been originally destined to the use of the poor, living in the Earl of Meath’s liberties, but, within a few years after its foundation, an act was passed, converting it into an infirmary for the county of Dublin. It was originally in Meath-street, afterwards removed to South-east-street, and subsequently, as soon as the improved state of their funds permitted, the house on the Coombe was built; but this being found inadequate, a large hospital, capable of accommodating 100 patients, is now erected at the rear of Kevin’s-street fronting the Long-lane. This most desirable object has been effected principally by the munificent T. Pleasants, who, in 1814, made a donation of 6,000l. of which he directed 2,000l. to be funded for the purpose of supporting patients, and the remainder to be expended in building a dissecting-room, &c; The ground was immediately purchased, and with the addition of 800l. raised by subscription, the hospital bas been built.

Formerly, the medical officers received a salary of 100l. each, but they agreed to resign it for the advantage of the institution, and this custom has been adopted ever since. The establishment consists of two physicians, six surgeons, and one apothecary. A physician and a surgeon attend every day at ten o’clock, and visit the house, as well as prescribe for the patients attending the extensive dispensary attached to the institution.

The annual income exceeds 1,000l., and in some years amounts to 1,150l. The salaries and wages are about 170l. per annum. There are four *ex officio *governors, the Archbishops of Armagh and Dublin, the Lord Chancellor, and the Vicar of St. Catharine’s. Persons paying 20 guineas are governors for life, and subscribers of two guineas are governors for the year; those who subscribe one guinea annually are entitled to recommend patients. **

Coombe Hospital**. - This hospital, lately closed, was re-opened on the 27th of October, 1823, by John Kirby, Michael Daniell, and Richard Gregory, Esquires, and is provided with accommodation for 50 intern patients.

This charitable institution stands in that part of the city where poverty and disease prevail, in their most calamitous degree of aggravation; and where accidents, in their severest forms, constantly occur, and hourly demand admission into some asylum where suffering may be alleviated, and life preserved.

The medical department comprises two physicians, three surgeons, and an apothecary, who is also the resident medical officer. The surgeons visit the hospital every morning at ten o’clock, and after going round the ward; they proceed to prescribe for the externs, the number of whom averages 200 daily.

The income of the hospital is derived from voluntary contributions, and from the fees of pupils who attend there for instruction.

Persons paying 10 guineas or upwards are governors for life; subscribers of two guineas are governors for one year, and annual subscribers of one guinea are entitled to recommend patients.

The hospital is always open for the admission of those suffering from accidents. **

Lying-in-Hospital, Great-Britain-street**. - This establishment owes its existence to the exertions of Dr. Bartholomew Mosse, who opened, at his own private expense, an hospital for the reception of poor lying-in women, in George’s-street south, on the 25th March, 1745, being the first establishment of the kind in the empire.

This charity he supported solely at his own expense, until the great relief afforded by it, induced others to contribute to so laudable a project. Accordingly, in 1750, the state of the funds being sufficiently flourishing, the first stone of the present structure was laid, May 24th, 1751.

After expending all his fortune in forwarding his plan, Dr. Mosse was obliged to apply to the House of Commons for assistance, from whom he received a grant of 6,000l., and in the next session a similar sum was voted to him, both of which being expended on the building, he was presented with a sum of 2,000l. for himself. In 1756, governors were incorporated by act of parliament, and, in 1757, the hospital was opened for the admission of patients: the following year an hospital was opened for the same purpose, in London, by Dr. Layard, who procured the plan from Dr. Mosse.

The wards, which are extremely neat and well ventilated, are of various sizes, some containing 20 beds or more, and others only one.

The income of the establishment has, from various causes, greatly declined within the last 25 years formerly, a great portion of it was derived from the concerts given in the Rotunda Rooms, but this speculation has latterly been unproductive, for the public taste has undergone some alteration with respect to such entertainments, which were, besides, interrupted by the disturbances in 1798, when the Rotunda and public rooms were used as barracks - to say nothing of the almost total desertion of the metropolis by the nobility since the Union. The average profits from the rooms, for the three years preceding 1798, amounted to 1,450l. per annum, whereas, those of the three previous to 1809, did not exceed 300l. per annum. In consequence of this the rooms were frequently advertised for hire, and were fitted up as a temporary theatre by Mr Harris, during the building of the new house in Hawkin’s-street.

Another source from which the income of the hospital is derived is the collection in the chapel, which amounted on an average, for the 12 years ending 1786, to 158l. per annum, whereas, not more than the fourth of that sum is now raised the charity-sermon has also been of late much less productive than formerly. Occasional benefactions, the rent of a room let to the Anacreontic Society, and the profits of the gardens, are the other sources of the casual income.

The fixed or permanent income arises chiefly from subscriptions, called bed-money, collected from some of the governors who pay 12l. 10s. per annum, from the rent of vaults, ground-rents, and interest on debentures ; and amounts to about 965l., the casual may be estimated at 700l, making in all about 1,665l. per annum. The expenditure may be estimated at thirty-shillings (Irish) for every patient, and this sum is sufficient to cover all expenses, except the interest of 11,000l., at 4 per cent (the payment of which is guaranteed by government), and the expense of supporting and instructing eight female pupils, who are educated for the purpose of practising midwifery in distant parts of the country. The greatest part of the income has hitherto been derived from parliamentary grants but it is to be regretted that it has lately been the necessary to diminish the grant.

The expenditure in salaries, wages, and allowances, amounts to something more than 500l. per annum; the officers and servants are, a master and three assistants, a chaplain, registrar and agent, matron, &c.

The Hospital is placed under the management of 60 governors, 13 of whom are appointed *ex officio, *and are styled Guardians, viz. the Lord Lieutenant, the Primate, Lord Chancellor, Lord Mayor, Archbishop of Dublin, Duke of Leinster, Bishop of Kildare, the High Sheriffs, Commander of the Forces, Dean of St. Patrick’s, and the Archdeacon and Recorder of Dublin; the rest are selected from the subscribers and the master, consulting physician, and surgeon, are always elected governors.

The immediate regulation of the establishment is delegated to the master, who is always a physician of the highest celebrity as an accoucheur. This officer, who, as well as his assistant, is a resident, is elected for seven years, and is not re-eligible at any future period. His income may be calculated at about 1,2001. per annum, but this will depend upon his own exertions, as his chief emoluments are derived from his pupils. These are of two classes, internal and external; the former, who are six in number, pay 30 guineas; the latter, who amount generally to 15, 20 guineas each: both classes attend only six months. He receives besides, 200l. from each of his assistants, who are changed every three years.

This hospital is attended by those who intend to practise midwifery in Ireland; besides numbers of foreign students, and of those who are designed for general practice. The master delivers a course of lectures on midwifery, and, at the end of six months, each student is examined by the master, in presence of the assistants, and, if properly qualified, receives a certificate. From the 1st of January, 1820, to the 3rd November in the same year, 2,078 women were delivered, making upwards of six per day. From the opening of the hospital to the 20th November, 1820, 96,677 women were delivered of 51,270 boys and 46,960 girls:- l;600 had twins.

The front of the building, which is towards Great-Britain-street, [The front would have been exactly opposite Sackville-street, had not Dr Mosse quarrelled with the proprietor of the ground, Luke Gardiner, Esq. afterwards Lord Mpuntjoy.] and extends 125 feet, consists of a rusticated basement and two series of windows above; in the centre of tjie basement is a break, supporting four three-quarter Done columns with their entablature and pediment. The entablature is extended along the whole front, but the triglyphs of the frieze are confined to the centre. The upper windows have architraves, the lower ones cornices also, and those on each side the Venetian window over the entrance, have pediments. The whole facade is of granite-stone: extending from the basement, and of the same height, are two sweeping colonnades of the Tuscan order, terminating in elegant pavilions (designed by F. Trench, Esq.), one of which is the entrance to the Rotunda, the other the Porter’s Lodge. A handsome court-yard in front throws the hospital 40 feet back from the street; this is enclosed by an iron balustrade resting on a dwarf wall. This building is after a design of Mr. Cassels, the architect of the Bank of Ireland, and of the Dublin Society’s House.

The principal entrance is in the south front, and leads to a handsome hall, the ceiling of which is supported by columns : this room would be grand, were it not too low. On one side of the hall on a bracket, stands a well-executed bust of Dr. Mosse, and immediately opposite one of Mr. Deane, who bequeathed a considerable sum to the support of the institution. Under the former is a large baptismal font of veined marble, the gift of Dr. Robert Downes, Bishop of Raphoe.

A handsome broad flight of stone steps leads to the chapel over the grand hall, a room about 40 feet square, furnished with pews of mahogany, and a gallery supported by pillars: the entablature extending round the chapel beneath the front pannels of the gallery is handsomely ornamented with gilding. The stucco-work of the ceiling is not only remarkably curious and beautiful, but in a style totally different from any thing of the kind in this city. Over the communion-table is a console supporting a lamb, in alto relievo, with a richly decorated canopy above it, and on each side an angel, in large life, reclining upon the canopy. On the north side of the ceiling in a deep arched recess, is Faith, with a crucifix in her hand, in a recumbeut posture; over the communion-table, in a similar recess, is Charity with a group of infants; and on the south side, Hope. Above the organ is Moses with the two tables, and, corresponding to him, an angel blowing a trumpet. All these figures are in alto relievo, larger than life. The design of this beautiful piece of workmanship was given by Cremillon, a French artist, who was assisted in the execution by the two Francini, Italian sculptors, who executed the stucco-work at the house built by Dr. Mosse for his private residence in Rutland-square (now occupied by Alderman James), and were employed in ornamenting Tyrone House, in Marlborough-street. **

Rotunda-Rooms**. - Adjoining the Lying-in-Hospital is a suite or rooms of elegant arrangement and dimensions exceeding those of the Public Rooms in Bath or Edinburgh. The principal entrance to the Rotunda is from Sackville-street, through the East Pavilion, into a waiting-hall for servants, communicating with the vestibule adjoining the Great Room. This room, which is after the design of Mr. Ensor, is 80 feet in diameter, and 40 in height. The walls are ornamented by 18 Corinthian pilasters, resting on pedestals and supporting a continued entablature; in the intervals, between the pilasters, are windows enriched with stucco-work and surmounted by triangular pediments.

The ceiling is handsomely ornamented, and consists of concentrical divisions sub-divided by semi-radii. The general appearance is greatly disfigured by a projecting orchestra. To the west of this is a card-room, 56 feet by 24, and opposite, a tea-room of the same dimensions. On the north, another vestibule conducts to the ball-room, a spacious apartment 86 feet by 40. The walls are ornamented by coupled pillars, supporting flat canopies at intervals along each side of the room, and banners, shields and various ornamental trophies are suspended in different places.

Over this splendid apartment is another of equal size, and more light and elegant in appearance, though not so richly ornamented. On the same floor are two smaller, apartments, over the tea and card-rooms, which are let for public exhibitions. **

New Rooms, Rutland-Square.** - The front of the New Rooms, in Cavendish-row, is of granite-stone, after the design of Richard Johnston, Esq., and Frederick Trench, Esq., the latter a private gentleman. It consists of a rusticated basement story, on which, in the centre, are four three-quarter Doric columns, supporting a pediment, in the tympanum of which are the arms of Ireland, the crest of the Duke of Rutland, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, who laid the foundation stone of these buildings, 17th of July, 1785, and the star of the Order of St Patrick; and at each end are two coupled pilasters.

The emoluments of all the concerts, balls and exhibitions, constantly held in these rooms, are devoted to the benefit of the hospital solely; but these advantages are greatly diminished of late, and some other sources of income wholly destroyed, - for instance, a tax on private sedan chairs ; there were, when this hospital was founded, 260 private sedans in Dublin, whereas at present, there are not six. **

Westmorland Lock Hospital, Townsend-street**. - This hospital was opened 20th November, 1792, for the reception of venereal patients of both sexes. Under the administration of the Earl of Westmorland, it was determined to provide an hospital for this purpose, capable of containing 300 beds; for a temporary one having been previously established near Donnybrook, it was found impracticable to procure a regular attendance on the part of the medical officers, owing, no doubt, to the distance from town. (There was a Lock Hospital also for many years in Clarendon-street) Government, therefore, entered into a negociation with the Governors of the hospital of Incurables, then occupying the site of the present building, and an exchange of premises was agreed on.

The front, which is plain, is of hewn mountain-granite; the centre and wings project a little, and the former is surmounted by a triangular pediment. In the centre are the apartments for the officers of the establishment; and in the wings and additional building’s the wards for the patients. The entrance for patients is in Luke-street, at the corner of which, in Townsend-street, the hospital stands; a situation formerly called Lazar’s Hill.

This hospital was at first attended by medical officers without salaries, but the attendance becoming irregular, it was deemed expedient not only to reduce their number from ten to five, but to allow them salaries: two, called senior surgeons, have ten shillings per day, and three assistants, have 50l per annum; the former to be appointed by Government, the latter by the Board of directors; both, however, confined to the members and licentiates of the College of Surgeons in Ireland the office of senior surgeon is for seven years only.

The Board of Governors formerly consisted solely of medical persons; but, latterly, the constitution of the Board, has been altered, as also that of the charity itself, for the hospital was originally intended for patients of both sexes, but now females only are admitted, and the beds reduced to 150, half the original number. The consequences of refusing admission to male patients have been in some degree obviated, by preparing accommodation at Steevens’s Hospital for 40, and at the Richmond Surgical Hospital for 30. The strictest economy has been adopted in carrying these alterations into effect; instead of two physicians at 50l. each, two senior surgeons at 182l. 10s. each; aud three juniors at 50l., the medical department now is limited to a non-resident and resident surgeon. In 1820, thc hospital ceased to receive male patients, and has been placed under the control of a board appointed by his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant.

The officers of this Institution are a senior surgeon, a resident ditto, a resident apothecary, a steward, and an accountant. **

United Hospital of St. Mark and St. Anne**. This small hospital was opened in Mark-Street, in 1808, for both surgical and medical cases. The establishment had previously been conducted in Francis-street, but the number of hospitals provided for that part of the city, determined the governors to transfer it where there was a want of such institutions; for although Sir Patrick Dun’s Hospital was then building, yet it did not promise to be speedily completed, nor was it until 1819 that the latter began to afford extensive relief. St. Mark’s hospital is so poor, as to be actually incapable of supporting the 10 beds which it contains. Yet although the funds are inadequate to the support of hospital accommodation, they are sufficient to provide very extensive Dispensary relief, for the poor of this neighbourhood, who, through the joint operations of this, Sir Patrick Dun’s Hospital, the Dublin General Dispensary, and the parochial relief afforded by Mark’s parish, are now tolerably well supplied with medical assistance.

There are two physicians, four surgeons, and a treasurer, by all of whom subscriptions are received. Children are vaccinated here every day; the hour of attendance from 11 to 12. **

The Hardwick Fever Hospital** - or House of Recovery, in Cork-street, the most extensive institution of the kind in Ireland, was founded chiefly by the exertions of a committee of mercantile gentlemen, principally of the Society of Friends, who urged the adoption of hospitals for the reception of persons afflicted with fever alone. The subject having attracted the notice of government in 1802, on the recommendation of the Earl of Hardwicke, then Lord Lieutenant, a sum of 1,000l. was voted towards erecting a building, and 500l. towards the annual support of an establishment for the reception of fever patients residing in that part of the city which comprises the liberties on the south side of the. Liffey. The contributions made in a very short time, amounted to 10,000l., and have since received further augmentation. The original design extended to 40 beds only, but the founders were enabled to enlarge their plan, and accordingly determined on the erection of an hospital capable of containing, in case of emergency, 120 beds. The first stone was laid April 24th, 1802, and the house was opened May 14th, 1804, for the reception of 18 patients.

It is most advantageously situated, being near the district for whose relief it was established, and possessing good air and abundance of water; and stands on the south side of Cork-street, in a space of nearly three acres. The hospital, when first erected, consisted of two parallel buildings, 89 feet by 30, three stories high, running north and south, and connected by a colonnade of 116 feet. The eastern building is used for fever, the western for convalescent patients. The wards in these buildings are small and not very lofty, being only 16 feet by 11ft. 3in., and 101 feet high; and are arranged on each side of the galleries, which run the length of the building. They are ventilated by the chimney, which is opposite the door; by the window, and by a tube from the ceiling communicating with louvres in the roof. The galleries communicate by gratings placed vertically over each other. The apartments of the officers were originally in the western wing, but they have since been removed to the centre, which was built in 1808, for the purpose of affording additional accommodation; and thus, the number of beds was increased to 144.

This circumstance together with the increase of the parliamentary grant, which in 1805 was made 1,000l. per, annum, induced the governors to extend the district to the relief of which the hospital was to be applicable; they therefore determined to take in patients from all parts of the city, south of the Liffey; and in 1809, declared themselves ready to admit them from all parts of the city within the Circular Road. But in the lapse of a few years, they found, notwithstanding the establishment of the Hardwicke Fever Hospital, that their accommodation was still inadequate to the number of applicants; accordingly, in 1814, a fourth building, much larger than any of the former, was erected, by which the hospital was rendered capable of containing altogether 200 beds, which is its present establishment. (In 1818, when famine crowded the hospitals every where throughout Ireland, the number of beds in this hospital was increased to 260 - see Reports of Managing Committee for 1816.)

In the construction of the fourth building, the system of large wards has been adopted: it stands to the south of the east wing, and is ventilated by windows in the eastern and western sides. The hospital is supplied with ample offices, coal-vaults, &c.; and a laundry, a very perfect establishment, has lately been erected at a great expense, where the principal part of the labour is performed by means of a steam-engine.

The affairs of the institutions are conducted by a committee of 21 persons (15 of whom were elected 23rd October, 1801, for life, and six others are selected annually from the subscribers), who meet every Tuesday. At the first opening of the hospital, the medical department consisted of three physicians and one surgeon; but the number has been since increased to six permanent attendants (besides whom, two other are occasionally employed), one surgeon and an apothecary.

Three physicians attend the hospital daily, and the others are employed in visiting, at their homes, the applicants for admission. The internal attendance is taken in turn by the physicians, each set attending one month in succession: their salaries are small at first, but are gradually augmented, until, at the expiration of three years, they are allowed 100l. annually. The surgeon receives 50l. per annum, and one guinea for every difficult case which he attends. These salaries and allowances, together with those of the minor officers and servants, amount to upwards of 1,600l. per annum; and the average annual expense, for the last six years, has been about 6,500l. This expenditure is chiefly defrayed by a parliamentary grant; the subscriptions and funded property amount to about 1,000l/ a year. Since the opening of the hospital to May 14th, 1823, 49,029 patients have been admitted; the mortality has been 1 in 15. No recommendation is necessary in order to procure admission, but on notice being left at the hospital, the applicant is inspected by a physician on extern duty. **

Sir Patrick Dun’s Hospital, Grand Canal-street**. - This hospital owes its existence to the celebrated practitioner of physic, whose name it bears. He had bequeathed his estates, in the county of Waterford, for the establishment of a professorship or professorships in the College of Physicians; but the executors having failed in the execution of his will, the trust was vested by Chancery in the College of Physicians; in consequence of which, three professorships were appointed, viz. Practice of Medicine, Institute of Medicine and Materia Medica. The estates having increased in value, as act was passed 25 Geo. III., limiting their professors’ salaries to 100l. per annum, and directing that, clinical patients should be supported by the surplus arising from the estates; a provision was likewise made, that, previously to the completion of the hospital, it might be lawful for the College of Physicians to support 30 patients in any of the hospitals in the city. Accordingly, the Governors of Mercer’s Hospital permitted 30 patients to be lodged in their hospital without making any charge for the occupation of the wards.

An act passed 40th Geo. III., directed that the surplus of the estates, after supporting the 30 patients and the completion of an hospital, should be applied to the extending of that hospital so as to render it capable of accommodating 100 patients: both which objects have been effected. Of the money granted by parliament, about 9,000l. has been expended on the building, the remainder of the expense having been defrayed out of the funds of Sir Patrick Dun, assisted by private subscriptions. (See Report on Sir P. Dun’s Hospital, by James Cleghorn, M.D - In Report of Charitable Institutions - Dublin 1906.)

Owing to considerable difficulty in procuring ground, the commissioners were obliged to fix on a site in the low marshy grounds, extending from Mount-street to the river; and it was at first apprehended, that this position would prove most unfavourable, but, owing to the precautions adopted in building, all inconvenience has been avoided, and the excavations have served, in conjunction with other means, to elevate the site of the house far about the level of the low grounds, and even above that of the Grand Canal, which lies near it, and would have otherwise rendered it damp and unwholesome. The front, which is towards the north-east, is of mountain-granite, extends about 194 feet, and consists of a centre with two advancing pavilions or wings, all of which are two stories in height. The middle of the former is decorated with four Ionic columns resting on the plinth dividing the ground-floor from the upper one, and supporting an entablature with a cantilever cornice; on the frieze is the following inscription in gilt characters:- “Noscomium Patricii Dun Eq. Aurat.”

In the intercolumns are three windows with pediments, these are the only ones which have dressings, the others being quite plain, but having oblong pannels above them. Above the columns rises an ornamental attic, decorated with breaks, pannels, and a clock. The elevation of the wings contains three windows in width; those of the ground-floor are circular-headed, and placed with arches. The upper floor has only two windows, viz. one on each side of a niche that is placed within a square pannel, dressed like a window, the whole composition being recessed in an arcade.

The ground story of the centre is occupied by apartment for the matron and apothecary, pupil’s waiting-room, and the theatre, in which the lectures are delivered: these open from a handsome hall with a beautiful staircase of mountain-granite.

Above them are the board-room of the College of Physicians, that of the governors, and the library, the last being placed in the centre; here are also two rooms originally intended for the use of the professors, one of which is now a dormitory for the provider. The remainder of the centre is allotted to the apothecary’s shop, and the museum of the professor of Materia Medica. The patient’s wards are situated in the wings, those in the lower stoy are designed for chronic, and those on the upper floor for fever patients: the ceilings are all arched, and the floors of granite. The upper story is not similarly arranged on both sides, being divided, on the side appropriated to females (the right wing), into small chambers capable of accommodating about five patients each: there are on this floor 10 apartments, one of which is used for the nurse’s room, and six as wards; they are tolerably lofty and well ventilated; all the upper story of the other side (the left wing) is thrown into one ward, subdivided by partitions, 10 feet high, into six compartments, with passages, two 38 feet by 13, and four 16 feet square. The height of the ward is 21 feet.

This mode of arrangement is preferable to separate wards of small dimensions, the compartments above alluded to communicating so freely with the great body of air in the upper part of the ward, that the ventilation is as perfect as if the partitions were removed, while it is certain that the partition is of the greatest service, interrupting the currents of air which rush horizontally over the patients wherever the ventilation is abundant in a large-size ward. This mode, therefore, combines in itself all the advantages and obviates the disadvantages which have been observed to arise from large of small wards separately; and the experience of several years has shown, that many more nurses are affected with contagious diseases in the female wards than in this.

The hospital is capable of affording accommodation to 100 patients, but the funds are not adequate to the maintenance of more than 60. Such persons as are not objects of eleemosynary relief [?KF], are admitted on their subscribing 1l. 10s. in case they labour under an acute disease, or 2l. 10s. if under a chronic one, a measure that has been found both prudent and benevolent.

Lectures are delivered twice a week during the medical session, which last from the first Monday in November to the first Monday in May. The professors of the School of Physic deliver these lectures in rotation for three months at a time, so that two attend each winter.

After the deduction of 900l. per annum for the professors’ and librarians’ salaries, ground rent, officers’ and servants’ salaries, &c., there remains about 2,200l. per annum, for the support of patients. The establishment consists of a physician in ordinary, assistant surgeon, apothecary, registrar and provider, treasurer and matron; and is under the government of a board of 22 persons, 12 chosen annually from the subscribers, and 16 governors ex officio; viz. the Lord Chancellor, three Chief Justices, the President and the four Censors of the College of Physicians, and the Provost of Trinity College.

Life subscribers of 20 guineas may send two patients every year; those of 30 guineas may always have one in the house, and those who pay four guineas annually can have one patient in the house constantly during the year. **

Whitworth Hospital, Brunswick-street**. - This hospital, which was erected under the sanction, and at the desire of Lord Whitworth, when Lord Lieutenant, for the accommodation of chronic medical patients, is a plain stone building of two stories, independently of the basement. The front has a northern aspect, and faces the House of Industry at a distance of about 200 yards: it has a plain triangular pediment over the centre, below which the name of the hospital and the date of its foundation are inscribed on the frieze beneath a plain stone cornice.

The centre contains a hall, physician’s room and staircase at either side: above is a large room, used as a dormitory for clinical clerks, and adjoining, are smaller apartments allotted to them for parlours and sitting-rooms; and at the extremities of the building are situated the wards for the patients, six on each floor, two of which, intended as private wards, contain only one bed; the others about 10 beds each, the total number being 84.

The clinical clerk supplies the place of resident medical officer. This hospital was originally designed, not only for the accommodation of such of the inmates of the House of Industry as might happen to be afflicted with chronic medical complaints, but for the relief of paupers from all parts of the city, who might not be able to procure assistance from other hospitals. It forms a branch of the House of Industry, and is supported front the fund granted annually by parliament for the support of that institution. The physicians of the House of Industry visit here daily. **

Richmond Surgical Hospital**. - The Richmond Hospital, Brunswick-street, serving as the Surgical Hospital to the House of Industry, contains 130 patients, who are selected by the surgeons according to the urgency of their disease, and without any reference to recommendations. Its object is, to furnish accommodation and relief, not only for cases requiring hospital treatment which may occur in the House of Industry, but for the destitute and friendless (of every description.

This building, which was formerly a nunnery, is ill-adapted for its present purpose, the wards being low and small; the inconvenience, however, likely to result from this defect, is in a great degree prevented by the strictest: attention to cleanliness and ventilation. There is an operating theatre attached, and a tolerable library of professional books, provided at the expense of the surgeons and their pupils.

This hospital is attended by three surgeons, who visit their respective departments daily.

The institution for the relief of the ruptured poor in Ireland is attached to this establishment. **

St. George’s House of Recovery, George’s-place, Dorset-street**. - The same reasons which operated towards the institution of the Whitworth Fever hospital, led to the establishment of this hospital, in fact, by some of the very same individuals. The building is situated on the same premises, and attended by the same officers, as the Dispensary for the poor of George’s parish. The object of the institution is, to afford an asylum to those who are unable to defray the expense of medical attendance at home, and yet are in circumstances which prevent them from seeking admission into public hospitals. The subscription paid by patients is one guinea per week, during their stay in the house. The Dispensary is attended every morning at ten o’clock. The patron is the Lord Lieutenant; there are a physician, consulting ditto, and a surgeon. **

Whitworth Fever Hospital**. – The great distance of the northern extremity of the twon from the Fever Hospital in Cork-street, induced some charitable individuals to establish one for the accommodation of the north-eastern part of the city; accordingly, in 1816, this building was erected for that purpose, which was opened Mat 1st, 1818. It is situated at the third lock of the Royal Canal, near Drumcondra, and is a plain building of brick with an antablature of granite, one which are the name and date.

The construction is somewhat extraordinary: in the floor of each story is laid down a large tub opening to the external air, and communicating with the interior of the wards by valves in the floor; and a corresponding vale in the ceiling serves to establish a current of air, so that there is at all times a sufficient ventilation.

The house is so contrived as to be easily capable of extension, but from the present state of the funds, the completion of the design is not probable. During the prevalence of the late epidemic fever, it was of considerable service to the north-eastern extremity of Dublin, and also to the villages in the vicinity. This hospital is supported entirely by private subscriptions: it was the intention of the governors to have conducted it as nearly as possible according to the plan of the House of Recovering in Cork-street, but the failure of the funds render that improbable.

The direction is in the hands of a managing committee, selected annually from the subscribers at large. Subscribers of one guinea are entitled to recommend one patient at a time through the year, but in cases of urgency persons are admitted without this form.

There are a patron, president, four physicians, apothecary, matron and registrar. **

St. Peter’s and St. Bridget’s Hospital**. - This institution was founded in 1810, at the sole expense of John Kirby, Esq. of the Royal College of Surgeons, by whose exertionprincipally it has been since supported; and has accommodation for five and thirty patients.

To several thousand extern patients it annually affords,advice and medicine, and still admits the sick and friendless to a participation of its advantages. Beds are always ready for the reception of accidents, and for all cases requiring the performance of severe and dangerous operations.

Connected with this institution, there is a theatre in which lectures are delivered on anatomy and surgery, byMr. Kirby, and his assistant lecturer; and there is also an excellent anatomical collection. **

Royal Military Infirmary**. - This hospital is designed for such of the sick soldiers of the garrison of Dublin as cannot be accommodated in the regimental hospitals attached to the different barracks. It stands near the south-eastern gate of the Phoenix Park, and is delightfully situated on an eminence forming a natural terrace, round which a stream winding, serves as well for utility as ornament, supplying cold baths, situated at the foot of the terrace, so as to be completely obscured from the view of the house: the ground on the opposite side of this stream rises as suddenly , thus forming a ravine, by which the grounds of the infirmary are separated from the rest of the park.

It was impossible that the site could have been selected with greater taste and judgement, being most salubrious, and commanding a prospect, in which are visible the Wellington Testimonial; the Liffey, with Sarah-bridge; the Old Man’s Hospital, or Royal Infirmary; the cultivated enclosures belonging to the commander of the forces; and the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains in the distance.

The building presents a handsome elevation of granite, after a design by Mr. Gandon, consisting of a centre (surmounted by a handsome cupola, containing a clock), and projecting pavilions at the ends. The interior is divided into 13 wards, seven of which are devoted to the accommodation of medical, and six to that of surgical patients: in the centre building, the lower part is occupied principally by the officers; the upper part is used for wards; and the hall has been fitted has been fitted up as a chapel, where service is performed every Sunday morning.

The wards are convenient, and the nurses’ apartments and bath rooms are well arranged. The centre and returning wings form three sides of an inner court; the fourth is a detached building, for the reception of such patients as labour under febrile or contagious diseases; there are a few cells on the ground-floor for maniacal patients.

The structure, which cost 9,000l. was begun in 1786, and completed in 1788; previously to its erection, a large building in James’s-street, was used for a military hospital. The hospital is visited daily by the physician-general, who is ex officio the attendant. The surgeon-general and the staff-surgeon, who are also regularly attached, attend alternately.

The officers are, the physician and surgeon-general, staff-surgeon, apothecary, resident surgical officers, steward, deputy ditto, and chaplain.

The hospital is under the management of a board of commissioners appointed ex officio, viz. Commander of the Forces, Lieutenants-general, Majors-general, Quartermaster-general, Deputy Vice-Treasurer, Surveyor-general, Physician-general, Surgeon-general, and the Director-general of Military Hospitals.

The establishment is supported partly by a parliamentary grant, and partly by stoppages from the pay of the soldiers in the hospitals: this deduction defrays about half the expense of the patient, and amounts to ten-pence per diem; the total expense of supporting each patients is state at 33l. per annum, including salaries to officers and servants.

All soldiers attacked with fever, or who have met with accidents, are removed hither, none but ordinary cases, or those in which there is no danger of the propagation of disease, being received into the regimental hospitals. **

Hospital of Incurables, Donnybrook-road**. - In 1744, a society of musical persons, formed by the exertions of Lord Mornington, with the view of procuring contributions towards the support of the poor, afflicted with incurable complaints, opened a house in Fleet-street, for that purpose; and were so successful, that, in a short time, they were able to extend their scheme; but, calculating on their present success, they build an hospital on Lazar’s-hill, for 100 patients, a number which their income was by no means adequate to support.

Their funds were thus unnecessarily expended, and in a short time they were unable to support more than a dozen patients; they then agreed to permit the governors of the House of Industry to send to their hospital 100 of such of the inmates of the former establishment as were incurable. In 1790, 4,000l. was bequeathed by Theobald Wolfe, Esq, which so far relieved them, that, in two years afterwards, government offered, in exchange for this establishment, Buckingham Hospital, near Donnybrook (originally designed for the small-pox, but then used for venereal patients), together with the land belonging to it. This ground (14 acres), form tis contiguity to the city, is so profitable as to leave the hospital rent-free. In 1800, the governors were incorporated by charter, and have the power of appointing officers with salaries not exceeding 50 pounds: subscribers of 20 guineas, are governors for life, and those of five guineas, governors for one year.

The patients are admitted by the board, who give them the preference to such as most need relief. When 50l. has been deposited in the hands of the treasurer for the admission of a patient, in case of the demise of such patient within one year, the further subscription of 15l. entitles the subscriber to the liberty of filling another vacancy for life. One physician and one surgeon attend, and, after three years service, they are eligible as governors. The house accommodates 70 patients, having been lately enlarged, by the addition of a ward containing 10 beds, under which is a waiting-room for patients, and other apartments.

The income arises from the interest of money subscribed and bequeathed, aided by a grant from government of 500l. per annum, and another from the grand jury of 100l., together with contributions from individuals who defray the expense of patients recommended by themselves.

The governors meet the third Wednesday in each month at the hospital, when patients are directed to present themselves for admission. **

House of Industry**. - The House of Industry deserves more detail than the limits of this sketch will allow, whether we consider the imperious claims on humanity of the cases here admitted, the order, neatness, and regularity pervading every department, or the moderate expense of 5l. 3s. 6d. yearly, for the maintenance and clothing of each pauper.

Under the system lately adopted, paupers from all parts of Ireland, and from any country, under every species of distress, were admitted; vagrants and prostitutes were also confined here. For its present improved organisation, reduction of number, and proportionate reduction of expenditure, the public are indebted to Mr. Peel, late chief secretary of Ireland.

There are 11 acres of ground belonging to this establishment, partly covered by two squares of building, one for the aged and infirm, and one for the insane; (Paupers, incurably insane are removed hither from the Richmond Lunatic Asylum, which is exclusively reserved for curable patients.) there are also 137 cells for the more refractory of the last class; besides three hospitals, detached from the main building, and from each other, for fever, chronic, medical, and surgical cases; and in addition to these arrangements, the Talbot Dispensary affords medical and surgical relief daily, to the extreme poor of the north-west quarter of the city; their average weekly number is 312. [See Hardwicke Fever Hospital, and Richmond Lunatic Asylum]

The penitentiaries, auxiliary fever hospitals, and other branches, hitherto attached to the House of Industry, having been lately discontinued, or placed under other control, the remaining duty of superintendence has been committed to one resident governor and seven visitors, who hold their meetings weekly; the amount of the last parliamentary grant, for 1821, was 21,233l. 6s. 8d. Irish currency. **

Foundling Hospital, James’s-street**. - This building was originally designed as an asylum for the aged and infirm, and for a few lunatic patients, and as, workhouse for vagrants capable of labour. It was founded in 1704, with no other property than* 100l. *a-year, and a piece of ground, containing 14 acres; these resources were by no means adequate to the expense of such an establishment, and accordingly, 14 years after, a new body was incorporated, consisting of several persons of rank, amongst others, the lord mayor, sheriffs, and dignitaries of the church residing in the city; and the ordinary affairs of the institution were conducted by a court of 15 persons chosen from the body of governors at large.

The establishment was originally for the reception of all beggars, and children above six years old, those below that age being supported by their respective parishes, but in 1730, it was found necessary to open the house for children of all ages. It was at this period that the institution received the appellation of the Foundling Hospital and Workhouse, and it continued without alteration until 1744, when the governors determined not to receive children after the age of 12 months.

All the healthy infants were put out to nurse, with women who undertook the care of them for a small annual allowance, which was increased by a premium, in case the nurse acquitted herself to the satisfaction of the governors; and, since that period, the objects of relief of the institution, have been children only; the average number annually admitted for the last nine years has been about 1940.

The front of the dining-hall, towards the great entrance from James ‘s-street, has some affectation of ornament. The centre has one series of lofty arched windows, three on each side of the break in the middle, in which is the door (heavily decorated with pilasters, pediments, scrolls, foliage, &c.), and a window on either side. This break is crowned by a pediment, above which is seen an octangular turret, with a clock; at either extremity of the building is a projecting pavilion with an arched door beneath, and two windows above, one over the other, placed in a shallow recess, the flat arch of which is within the pediment; the parapet between these three projections is embattled; in the roof are six lofty dormer windows. The interior is lighted by 16 circular-headed windows; over the fire-place, at the eastern extremity, is a full-length portrait of Primate Boulter, who caused the poor of the city of Dublin to be fed in this hall at his own expense, in 1727-28, when a famine visited Dublin.

The chapel, which stands on the south side of the court, behind the dining-hall, is a very neat building, and its interior is handsome; the galleries and roof are supported by gothic pillars.

The infirmary, which is of more recent date, is well constructed, and affords accommodation more than sufficient for the demand.

The establishment has been hitherto supported by parliamentary grants, assisted by a tax on the city, and by the rents of the estate of the hospital; the two latter sources of revenue, however, afford but a small proportion of the sums requisite to the support of the institution, and do not exceed the fourth part of the grant annually made by parliament. The tax on the city is relinquished, the governors having determined that the sum of 5l. shall be paid by each parish for every child sent from it to the hospital.

The establishment is under the management of a board of 13 governors, in conjunction with a similar number of governesses; amongst the former are the Archbishop of Dublin, the Bishops of Kerry, Ferns, and Elphin, &c.; and, amongst the latter, many ladies of rank and fortune. The expenditure is considerable, owing as well to the number of residents officers requisite, as to the immense numbers of country nurses to be paid. There are at present no less than 5,000 children at nurse in the country, and nearly 1,200 in the hospital.

The resident officers are, a chaplain, registrar and paymaster, apothecary, provider, head master (male school), superintending school-mistress and housekeeper.

The male schools are now placed under the immediate superintendence of the chaplain, the Rev. H. Murray, whose abilities and general information are universally acknowledged, and who is deservedly esteemed as a theological writer.

At a certain age the children are apprenticed out to trades, for which they are previously prepared, by instructing them in such branches as they show a disposition to cultivate; and the greatest care is taken by the governors in selecting the most respectable persons as masters.

For the last 20 years, on an average, 2,000 children annually habe been admitted to the hospital, and the parliamentary grant has been between 20,000 and 20,000l. **

St. Patrick’s, or Swift’s Hospital**. - The founder of this hospital, which was the first established in Ireland for the reception of idiots and lunatics, was the celebrated Dean Swift. And it is a remarkable coincidence, that Swift himself should subsequently have been reduced to the condition of the most wretched of its inmates; but this fact is easily accounted for, without recourse to any miraculous presentiment, by the recollection of this circumstance, that for many years previous to the complete wreck of one of the noblest of created minds, gradual decline of memory, frequent gusts of passion, and weariness of life, formed too sure indications of the dreadful catastrophe that was to ensue. It was probably the expectation of such a termination which led him, while yet his reason possessed somewhat of its original powers, to reflect on the deplorable situation in which many wretches were placed, from the total want of an institution appropriated to their reception.

He therefore, by his will, bequeathed the whole of his property, except a few legacies, to this purpose. The amount of the bequest was upwards of 10,000l.; the hospital was commenced in 1749, on a site between Bow-lane and Steevens’s Hospital, purchased from the latter institution, and was opened for 50 patients, partly by the interest of the bequest and subscriptions received during the building, and partly by two parliamentary grants of 1,000l. each. The building has been since enlarged, so as to contain 177 patients.

The front, about 150 feet, consists of a centre and two wings, the former, which has two stories above the basement, is rusticated, and of granite: the latter are plain. There is a neat court-yard planted with trees, and separated from the street by a high wall; here the convalescent patients are permitted to exercise; behind there are gardens, which are cultivated principally by the labour of the patients.

There are six wards, three in each of the two buildings which run parallel to each other at right angles with the front, at a distance of 32 feet, and are 327 feet by 333, and three stories high. Each ward is divided into a corridor, its whole length, and cells opening from it; the latter, 158 in number, are 12 feet by 8, the corridor 325 by 14, and sufficiently lofty; there are, besides openings from the corridor, in each ward two apartments, of 16 feet by 12, for the accommodation of chamber boarders, and two rooms for the keeper of the ward. The ventilation is good, and is principally effectd by large open fire-places in the corridors, and every possible contrivance is adopted for rendering the accommodations at once healthy and comfortable. Besides the apartment above mentioned, 16 feet by 12, there are seven others appropriated to chamber boarders; there are seven others appropriated to chamber boarders; these are in the front of the building, and the occupants pay 100 guineas per annum, for which they have a servant for their own use exclusively.

There is a second class of boarders, who pay 60 guineas a year; they lodge in the wards, but have very excellent accommodation and attendance.

The officers are a physician, surgeon, master, matron, and six ward-keeper.

‘[he Lord Primate, Lord Chancellor, Archbishop of Dublin, Deans of Christ-church and St. Patrick’s, the state physician, and the Surgeon General, are ex officio Governors. No institution can be more judiciously managed; for the expenditure, though great, is considerably within the income, and the governors have a large sum in advance. No assistance, whatever, is received from parliament. **

Richmond Lunatic Asylum, Brunswick-street**. - The accommodation for* *lunatic patients in this city and the neighbouring parts of the country, having been found inadequate, it was determined by the legislature to direct the foundation of an institution which might be sufficient to receive all the cases, not provided for by other establishments of the kind, not only in Dublin, but through-out the country. The cells attached to the House of Industry in Dublin, and to the different workhouses in the other towns through the kingdom, having formerly been the only receptacles for the wretched sufferers, and these being necessarily crowded, without any possibility of classification, it was not to be expected that the medical and moral treatment of the disease should have proved generally successful. The benevolent views of the legislative and executive governments have not been disappointed, for, as few institutions of the kind have been more prudently and judiciously conducted than this, so in few have the proportion of successful cases been greater.

It is under the control of a Board of Governors; and the chief officers are: a moral governor, a physician, and surgeon. The institution was originally designed solely for pauper patients, but the Board have judiciously determined not to deny its benefits to those whose families are in possession of moderate means, and who yet would be quite unable to bear the enormous expense of supporting their friends afflicted with this dreadful malady. This class of persons comprehends, perhaps, the most deserving part of society, and, therefore, it is not only justifiable, but highly laudable to attempt every means of affording them comfort.

The establishment accommodates 230 patients, whereof 226 are paupers, and four contribute a small sum towards their maintenance; there are 198 cells, besides rooms containing two or three beds for convalescent patients, but occasionally a few more than this number can be accommodated.

In the treatment of the patients it is found, that a state of moderate exertion is best calculated to promote the return of the mental powers; and bodily exercise, as tending to invigorate the general system, is therefore adopted in all cases which permit it. The male patients are chiefly employed in the gardens and grounds. The number varies from 20 to 30; the number of females from 40 to 50; these are generally occupied in spinning, knitting, mending and making clothes, washing in the laundry, &c.

The only modes of coercion permitted here are the imposition of the arm-straps, the muff, strait-waistcoat, solitary seclusion, and degradation from one class of patients to another.

Religious instruction has been introduced in such a manner as to be least liable to produce mischief. All the patients who are capable of duly comprehending the objects of prayer, are regularly assembled for that purpose and it is observed by the moral governor, that many of the most unruly, noisy, and talkative, have restrained themselves in a remarkable degree, after having been permitted to attend family prayer. Religious books have been (with the greatest caution) distributed in several instances, and their use has always been attended with advantages.

No person can be admitted as a pauper patient with a medical certificate of insanity, as affidavit of poverty, an d a certificate of the moral governor of a vacancy; printed forms of the certificate and affidavit are to be had of the moral governor at the asylum.

Independently of the asylums for the insane already noticed, there are several in the vicinity of Dublin which are devoted to the accommodation of persons of fortune, one of these is established as Glasnevin. There is also one near Donnybrook, supported by the society of Friends, and designed for patients of their own sect; this institution is, however, about to be enlarged, so as to admit those of all classes, and of every religious profession.

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