"In Portugal as in other Christian countries, the refuge of the poor in sickness is the hospital: but, what is perhaps not the case in every other country, is that the poor indiscriminately, of all nations and religions, are admitted and treated without distinction in the hospital of Lisbon. They are usually carried there in sedan-chairs, sent from the hospital for that purpose. Sometimes however in cases of urgent danger, or on account of distance, the patient is placed on an inverted chair, the back of which serves as foot board; as may be seen by reference to the plate; and in this manner is carried to the hospital, by two porters, who lay hold of the chair and carry off their burthen like a bale of merchandize.."-- L'Evêque, loc. cit.