A short account of the Society for Relief of Widows and Orphans of Medical Men : from its foundation in 1788 to its centenary in 1888.

Date:
1888
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A short account of the Society for Relief of Widows and Orphans of Medical Men : from its foundation in 1788 to its centenary in 1888. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    In 1851, it being felt that the laws required revision, a committee was appointed to take the subject into consideration, and a circular was sent to the members, requesting them to forward to the committee sugges- tions for the improvement of the Society. This com- mittee took a considerable time in preparing their report, which contained many recommendations. Among those accepted by the Society of the most im- portance were, the granting of a sum to orphans under fifteen years of age, to enable them to start in some line of business, instead of the former strictly appren- tice-fee ;* the re-arrangement of the half-years,'to meet certain alterations necessarily made in the routine of business; and the appointment at each quarterly Court of Directors of three Visitors, who shall assist the Secretary in carrying on the business of the Society during the intervals of the meetings of the Directors, and inquire into the merits of each new case of appli- cation for relief. This regulation affords great advan- tage to those seeking relief, as the case can be inquired into at once, an immediate grant, if necessary, given, and a report as to the circumstances presented to the next Court of Directors : so that in all probability relief of a substantial kind can be granted within three months, or even wdthin the month, should the widow apply immediately on the death of her husband; whereas formerly, from three to six months might, and often did, elapse before the first half-yearly grant, payable in advance, could be voted. This perhaps is the greatest improvement made in the laws of the Society since its foundation, and is a practical evidence of the truth of the adage,' Bis dat qui cito dat.' There is one circumstance connected with the history of the Society which may fairly be referred to here, viz., the foundation of ' Chamberlaine's Mite.' This was estabUshed by Mr. Chamberlaine in 1817, on * This has been considered a great boon by those receiving relief, and is one from which the Directors believe that much real benefit has resulted.