Clinical lectures on Neurasthenia.

  • Savill, Thomas Dixon, 1856-1910.
Date:
1899
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Clinical lectures on Neurasthenia. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    Board of Guardians of this Parish, who recognised the value of this procedure, not only for the sake of the patients whose cases we shall study, and whose cure and alleviatioa is thereby rendered more speedy and certain, but who also realised the saving of expense to the ratepayers, who provide the means for the maintenance of these institu- tions; because it may be taken as certain that whatever, without undue expense, shortens the stay of a patient in the infirmary, is the truest economy to the parish. But, gentlemen, these are not the only advantages likely to be derived from the course of instruction which it is proposed to carry on within these walls. Where is there to be found such a vast clinical storehouse as exists in the Poor-Law Infirmaries of the Metropolis ? Both in point of number and variety of the cases I venture to think they are, when taken collectively, unequalled in the history of the world. They contain an aggregate of 13,332 beds— not counting the sick-wards nor the infirm persons who still remain in some workhouses—as against only 10,883 in all the Special and General Hospitals of London. Wliere, I would ask, is there to be found such a wealth and variety of material as here exists ? In this, the Paddington work- house and infirmary, there are close upon 600 beds available for the reception of every kind of mental and bodily aihnent that flesh is heir to. To render this available for medical teaching is undoubtedly a great gift to the Profession, and through it to the public, who necessarily gain indirectly by improved medical education. I have never ceased to enunciate these views, and you can well imagine with what satisfaction I see the realisation of my desires by the liberality and foresight of the Board under whom I have the honour to serve. This large group of buildings comprises three depart- ments, under the government of one Board of Guardians. En the new infirmary, where we are now situated, there are 284 beds, 32 of which are for the reception of sick children 16 for cases needing isolation, and the rest for acute and severe cases of disease of different kinds, both medical and surgical. The old infirmary {i.e., the sick wards of the