Charter, By-Laws, Regulations 
AND 
OFFICERS 
OF THE 
fiospital for W omen 
AND 
LYING-IN ASYLUM, 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 
WASHINGTON, D. C.: 
Rufus H. Darby, Book and Job Printer. 
1892. REV. WM. ALVIN BARTLETT, D. I)., President. 
Vice- Presiden ts. ■ 
NATHANIEL WILSON, ESQ. LOUIS W. RITCHIE, M. D. 
JOHN T. MITCHELL, Secretary. 
JOHN 1). McCHESNEY, Treasurer. 
VISITING STAFF. 
GYNAECOLOGISTS. OBSTETRICIANS. 
ISAAC S. STONE, M. D. J WESLEY BOVEE, M. D. 
J. FORD THOMPSON, M. D. A. F. A. KING, M D. 
HOUSE STAFF. 
DR. J. FOSTER SCOTT. DR. J. T. KELLEY. 
SUPERINTENDENT. 
MISS G. F. POPE. 
DIRECTORS. 
Hon. John R McPherson, John T. Mitchell, 
U. S. Senate. 3234 N Street. 
Hon. W. R. Crain, A. S. Solomons, 
House of Representatives. 1205 K Street. 
Hon. James Buchanan, Henry A. Willard, 
House of Representatives. 1333 K Street. 
Hon. John W. Ross, Rev. R. R. Shippen, 
District Commissioner. 1301 Riggs Street. 
S. W. Woodward, Louis W. Ritchie, M. D., 
F and 11th Streets. 3259 N Street. 
F. H. Smith, Nathaniel Wilson, 
1418 F Street. 912 17th Street. 
Rev. W. A. Bartlett, D. D., M. W. Beveridge, 
1200 K Street. 1618 H Street. 
John F. Head, M. D., John G. Park, U. S. A., 
2015 R Street. No. 10 Lafayette Square. 
Louis D. Wine, John D. McChesney, 
916 F Street. 1610 Riggs Place. 
Chas. Sutherland, M. D., U. S. A. 
COMMITTEES. 
EXECUTIVE. 
Rev. W. A. Bartlett, President. S. W. Woodward. 
John T. Mitchell, Secretary. F. H. Smith. 
John D McChesney, Treasurer. M. W. Beveridge. 
RULES. EXPENDITURES. 
The President of the Board (fx-officio). F. II. Smith. 
Nathaniel Wilson. S W. Woodward. 
Chas. Sutherland, M. D., U. S. A. M. W. Beveridge. 
AUDIT. PERSONAL PROPERTY. 
Henry A. Willard. John T. Mitchell. 
Louis D. Wine. Louis W. Ritchie, M. D 
Nathaniel Wilson. WAYS AND MEANS. ANNUAL REPORT. 
The Treasurer (ex-officio). The President of the Board (ex-officio). 
Hon. John W. Ross. Rev. R R. Siiippen. 
Hon. W. R. Crain. Hon. James Buchanan. 
Charles Sutherland, M.D., U. S. A. 
LADY VISITORS. 
Henry A. Willard. John G. Park, U. S. A. 
Hon. John R. McPherson. 
VISITING COMMITTEES FOR 1892. 
January, February and March. 
Hon. John R. McPherson. Hon. W. R. Crain. 
Hon. James Buchanan. John D. McChesney. 
April. May and Jure. 
Rev. R. R. Shippen. M. W. Beveridge. 
John T. Mitchell. F. H. Smith 
Chas. Sutherland, M. D. 
July, August and September. 
Hon. John W. Ross. Louis D. Wine. 
L. W. Ritchie, M. D. John F. Head, M. D. 
October, November and December. 
Rev. AV. A. Bartlett. Henry A. Willard. 
S. W. Woodward. A. S. Solomons. 
John G. Park, U. S. A. Nathaniel Wilson. 
BOARD OF LADY VISITORS. 
Mrs. S. Phillips Lee, President Silver Spring, Md. 
Mrs. Thos. A. R. Keech, Secretary 424 E. Capitol Street. 
Mrs. Fred L. Moore 1680 31st Street. 
Mrs. Nathaniel Wilson 912 Farragut Square. 
Mrs. S. H. Shields 1401 16th Street. 
Mrs. Byron Sunderland 328 C Street, N. W. 
Mrs. Rebecca D. Henry 424 E. Capitol Street. 
Mrs. Thos. N. Vincent 1221 N Street. 
Mrs. J. E. Rankin Howard University. 
Mrs. W. H Mills 1521 O Street. 
Mrs. J. D. McChesney 1620 Riggs Place. 
Mrs. Chas. A. Mann 2009 I Street. 
Mrs. A. L. Toland 2153 Florida Avenue. 
Mrs. Florence Cairns 1301 K Street. 
Mrs. Caroline S. Chase The Elsmere. 
Mrs. Noah L. Jeffries 1329 16th Street. 
Mrs. H. G. Wright 1203 N Street. 
Mrs. M. W. Hazeltine 1721 I Street. 
Mrs. A. DePuyster 1720 Connecticut Ave. 
Mrs. J. Fairfield Carpenter 1327 16th Street. 
Mrs. John W. Foster 1405 I Street, N. W. 
Mrs. Henry E. Pellew 1637 Massachusetts Ave 
Mrs. George Doolittle 49 B Street, S. E. 
Mrs. Dr. John Trimble 3009 O Street. 
Mrs. Emily7 St. Aubert Zane The Portland. CHARTER. 
AN ACT to incorporate the Women's Hospital Association of the District of Columbia. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States in Congress assembled, That Abram D. Gillette, 
Byron Sunderland, Charles H. Hall, George W. Sampson, J. 
N. Coombs. William B. Matchett, Henry D. Cooke, William 
W. Corcoran, Charles Knap, J. H. Thompson, Moses Kelly, 
Ansel St. John, Mrs. Adelaide J. Brown, Mrs. Mary W. Kelly, 
Elmira W. Knap, Mary C. Havener, Mary Ellen Norment, 
Jane Thompson, Mary L. Harkness, Isabella Margaret Wash- 
ington, Mary F. Smith, Mrs Elmira W. Powell, and Mrs. 
Elizabeth Samson, and their successors, duly chosen, are 
hereby constituted and created a body-corporate in the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, by the name of the Columbia Hospital for 
Women and Lying-in Asylum. 
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That said corporation 
hereby constituted shall consist of twenty-four members. 
They shall have power to fill all vacancies created by death, 
resignation, or otherwise and to make by-laws, rules, and 
regulations : Provided, That such by-laws, rules, and regula- 
tions are not repugnant to the Constitution or laws of the 
United States. 
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That the affairs of said 
corporation shall be under the control and management of a 
board of twelve directors, to consist of the first twelve of the 
above-named incorporators, or such further number as the 
duties of the corporation may require, such increase of num- 
bers to be made by a vote of two-thirds of the existing board. 
The board of directors shall have power to appoint all sub- 
committees necessary to the direction and efficiency of the 
institution hereby authorized to be established. 
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That the first twelve cor- 
porators named in the first section hereof, together with those 
who may be elected directors as provided in the preceding 6 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
section, shall constitute the first board of directors, who shall 
from their number elect a president, two vice-presidents, a 
secretary, and treasurer; and seven of the directors, of whom 
the president or one of the vice-presidents shall be one, shall 
form a quorum for the transaction of business. 
Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That the object of the 
association hereby incorporated is to found in the city of 
Washington a hospital and dispensary for the treatment of 
diseases peculiar to women, and a lying-in asylum, in which 
those unable to pay therefor shall be furnished with board, 
lodging, medicine, and medical attendance gratuitously, and 
to that end full powers are hereby conferred on the associa- 
tion. 
Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That said corporation 
shall have power to accept, purchase, receive conveyance 
of, and hold property, either personal or real, to an amount 
necessary for the full accommodation, convenience, and sup- 
port of the institution and those participating in its benefits. 
Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That the property, per- 
sonal or real, so held by said corporation shall be exempt 
from all taxes and assessments levied under act of Congress 
or by authority of any municipal corporation or board within 
the District of Columbia. 
Sec. 8. And be it further enacted, That Congress may at any 
time hereafter alter, amend, or repeal this act. 
Approved, June 1, 1866. 
[Extract from Sundry Civil Bill, 1872.] 
For purchase of building now occupied by said hospital, 
with forty thousand feet of ground, twenty-five thousand dol- 
lars : Provided, That the title to said real estate shall be 
vested in the United States, for the use of said hospital, and 
that no part of the real or personal property now held or here- 
after to be acquired by said institution shall be devoted to 
any other purpose than a hospital for women and lying-in 
asylum without the consent of the United States; and that 
in addition to the directors whose appointment is now pro- AND LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
7 
vided for by law, there shall be three other directors appoint- 
ed in the following manner: One Senator, by the President 
of the Senate, and two Representatives, by the Speaker of the 
House ; these directors shall hold their offices for the term of 
a single Congress, and be eligible for reappointment. 
Approved, June io, 1872. 
AN ACT making appropriations to provide for the expenses of the government of the 
District of Columbia for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred 
and eighty one, and for other purposes. Approved, June 4, 1880. 
* * * * * 
" Provided, That one of the Commissioners of the District 
of Columbia, to be selected by the Board of Commissioners, 
shall be a trustee of said hospital and lying-in asylum, with 
all the powers, privileges, and duties of other trustees of the 
same." 8 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
By-Laws and Regulations. 
Chapter I. 
Of the Directors. 
Section i. The Board of Directors shall consist of not 
more than fifteen members, with such special members as 
may be added by authority of Congress. Seven Directors 
shall constitute a quorum. 
Sec. 2. If any elected Director remove permanently from 
the District of Columbia, or be absent without excuse from 
four consecutive regular meetings of the Board, such absence 
shall be deemed a resignation of Directorship, and the 
vacancy shall be filled by the Board. 
Sec. 3. Vacancies in the Board of Directors may be filled 
at any regular or special meeting of the Board, nomination 
thereto having been made at a previous meeting. 
Chapter II. 
Meetings of the Board. 
Section i. The Directors shall hold quarterly meetings 
during the year at the Hospital, on the third Tuesdays of 
January, April, July and October, at half-past 7 P. M. ; that 
in January shall be the annual meeting. Special meetings of 
the Board may be called by the President, or, in case of his 
absence or inability to act, by a Vice-President, or by two 
members of the Board of Directors ; giving at least two days' 
notice of the same, and stating the object of the meeting. 
Sec. 2. At the annual meeting there shall be elected by a 
majority of the Directors present, a President, two Vice- 
Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Superintendent, and a 
Matron for the ensuing year. They shall also, at the annual 
meeting, elect, in like manner, four members of the Medical AND LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
9 
Board, a Resident Physician and one or more Assistant Resi- 
dent Physicians, and a Board of Lady Visitors to consist of 
not less than twenty-five nor more than fifty. At the same 
meeting, or as soon thereafter as practicable, the President 
shall appoint the following Committees: 
I. Committee on Rules. 
II. Committee on Expenditures. 
III. Executive Committee. 
IV. Auditing Committee. 
V. Committee on Personal Property. 
VI. Committee on Ways and Means. 
VII. Committee on Annual Report. 
VIII. Committee on Lady Visitors. 
Sf.c. 3. The term of office in all of the above shall begin 
with the election in January and continue until the next 
annual election, or until their successors are appointed and 
duly qualified. Vacancies may be filled at any regular or 
special meeting. 
Chapter III. 
Order of Business. 
'1'he following shall be the order of business at the regular 
meetings of the Board : 
1. Calling the Roll. 
2. Reading the minutes of the last meeting. 
3. Communications. 
4. Report of Executive Committee. 
5. Report of the Treasurer. 
6. Report of the Medical Board. 
7. Report of the Superintendent. 
8. Reports of Standing Committees. 
9. Reports of Special Committees. 
10. Unfinished business. 
11. Resolutions and new business. 
12. Election of officers. 
13. Nomination and election of Directors. IO 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
Chapter IV. 
President. 
The President, and in his absence one of the Vice-Presi- 
dents, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors, 
and preserve order therein. He shall appoint all committees, 
unless otherwise provided by the Board. 
Chapter V. 
Secretary. 
Section i. The Secretary shall attend the meetings of the 
Directors, take minutes of the proceedings, and transcribe 
them in a book provided for that purpose. Immediately 
after the election of Directors and officers he shall give 
notice to the persons so elected. All reports relating to the 
Hospital and Dispensary, except such as can be properly 
preserved on file for reference, shall be entered on the 
minutes. 
Sec. 2. The Secretary shall keep a roster of the Directors, 
arranging them as nearly as practicable, in equal numbers, as 
Visiting Committees, and at each quarterly meeting shall 
notify the Directors he has designated as Visitors for the 
ensuing quarter. 
Chapter VI. 
Treasurer. 
The Treasurer is the custodian of all papers and cfocuments 
relating to the property of the Hospital, and of all moneys 
belonging thereto, except his own official bond to the Hos- 
pital, which shall be in the custody of the President of the 
Board of Directors. He shall give bonds and security, as re- 
quired by the regulations of the United States Treasury. He 
shall also give bonds and security, satisfactory to the Board 
of Directors, for such money as may be received from pay- 
patients. He shall pay no moneys except under resolution of 
the Board of Directors, or upon vouchers approved by the AND LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
11 
Committee on Expenditures. All payments shall be by 
checks, and checks dra*n upon the pay-patient fund shall be 
countersigned by a majority of the Committee on Expendi- 
tures. At each quarterly meeting he shall present an account 
showing the state of the funds in his hands, and report in de- 
tail at the quarterly meeting in July his receipts and expendi- 
tures for the preceding fiscal year, ending with the 30th day 
of June, which report shall then be referred to the Committee 
of Audit for examination and report at the next stated meet- 
ing. 
Chapter VII. 
Committee on Rules. 
The Committee on Rules shall consist of the President of 
the Board of Directors and two other members, to which 
shall be referred all motions to alter and amend the By-Laws, 
and who shall report thereon at the next meeting of the 
Board. 
Chapter VIII. 
Committee on Expenditures. 
The Committee on Expenditures shall consist of three Di- 
rectors. They shall elect a chairman and secretary, and 
have supervision and control of all expenditures. They 
shall not authorize alterations or repairs without personal 
inquiry and inspection, and shall not approve any expendi- 
ture for such purposes not previously authorized by them or 
the Board of Directors. 
Chapter IX. 
Executive Committee. 
Section i. The Executive Committee shall consist of the 
President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Board of Directors, 
and the Committee on Expenditures, three of whom shall 
constitute a quorum. They shall make such rules and regu- 
lations as they from time to time may judge proper for their 
own government and that of the officers and members of the 12 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
Medical Department, patients, and employes, not provided 
for in the By-Laws of the Hospital, and shall enter the same 
on their minutes. In case any physician, surgeon, officer, or 
employe of the Hospital shall neglect or refuse to perform 
his or her duty, the Committee may suspend the offender and 
report the case to the Board of Directors at next meeting. 
The vacancy in the meantime shall be supplied by the Com- 
mittee. 
Sec. 2. The Committee shall see that proper economy is ob- 
served in the administration of all the affairs of the Hospital, 
having due regard to the welfare of its beneficiaries. They 
shall hold monthly meetings at the Hospital, and, subject to 
the regulations and orders of the Board of Directors, shall 
have the general control and management of all the affairs of 
the Hospital, and of its officers, employes, and inmates. 
Chapter X. 
Auditing Committee. 
The Auditing Committee shall consist of two Directors. 
They shall examine the annual Report of the Treasurer and 
the quarterly reports of the Superintendent, with their 
vouchers, and report thereon at the next regular meeting of 
the Board of Directors. 
Chapter XI. 
Committee on Personal Property. ■ 
The Committee on Personal Property shall consist of three 
Directors. It shall be their duty to inspect and compare 
with the inventories the surgical, medical, and household 
supplies of the Hospital, as hereinafter required to be kept 
bv the Superintendent and Resident Physician, all the books, 
surgical and medical supplies, linen, kitchen and household 
furniture, garden tools, live stock, etc., the property of the 
Hospital, and report thereon at the July meeting of the 
Board. AND LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
x3 
Chapter XII. 
Committee on Ways and Means. 
The Committee on Ways and Means shall consist of the 
Treasurer and of two other Directors. It shall be their duty 
to keep themselves informed of the amount of money on hand 
available for Hospital purposes; to make estimates of the 
amount that will probably be required during the succeeding 
fiscal year for improvements, repairs, salaries, and Hospital 
support; to report thereon to the Board of Directors at the 
quarterly meeting in July and represent the interests of the 
Hospital before Congress. 
Chapter XIII. 
Committee on Annual Report. 
The Committee on Annual Report shall consist of the 
President and two Directors, whose duty it shall be to pre- 
pare and present to the Board of Directors the annual report 
of the Board of Directors, and transmit the same to the 
proper authority. 
Chapter XIV. 
Visiting Committees. 
The Visiting Committees shall visit and inspect the Hos- 
pital twice in each month during the respective periods of 
their assignment. They shall record in a book kept for that 
purpose their opinion of the condition of the Hospital and 
its inmates, and such suggestions as may appear to them ad- 
visable, reporting the same at each quarterly meeting. 
Chapter XV. 
Medical Board. 
Section i. The Board of Directors shall annually appoint 
two Visiting Surgeons in charge of the Lying-in Department, 
and two Visiting Surgeons in charge of the remaining pa- 14 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
tients in the Hospital, who shall together constitute the 
Medical Board. They shall report to the Board of Directors 
at each quarterly meeting the condition of the Hospital 
during the preceding quarter. They shall also present at 
the July meeting of the Board of Directors each year their 
annual report, giving a full statement of their conduct of the 
Medical Department of the Hospital for the preceding year, 
with such recommendations as they may deem proper. 
Sec. 2. The members of the Medical Board may attend the 
meetings of, the Board of Directors and participate in its 
discussions, but shall not be entitled to vote. 
Sec. 3. No capital operation, except in case of immediate 
danger, shall be performed, unless such proposed operation 
shall have first been submitted for consultation to all the 
members of the Medical Board. 
Chapter XVI. 
House Staff. 
Section i. The House Staff shall consist of one Resident 
Physician and one or more Assistant Resident Physicians. 
Sec. 2. The Resident Physician shall be a graduate of medi- 
cine, nominated by the Medical Board, and elected by the 
Board of Directors for the term of one year, with privilege 
of re-election, but subject to removal for cause, upon recom- 
mendation of the Medical Board. He shall reside in the 
Hospital free of charge, and receive such salary as the Board 
of Directors may decide upon. He shall have charge of the 
Medical Department of the Hospital, subject to the control 
and under the immediate direction of the Medical Board. 
He shall accompany the Visiting Surgeons on their visits to 
the Hospital wards, and shall render them such assistance as 
they may desire. He shall not engage in private practice, 
nor be absent from the Hospital without leaving it in charge 
of the Assistant Resident Physician, who shall act in the ca- 
pacity of Resident Physician during such absence. The 
Resident Physician shall perform no surgical operation ex- AND LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
i5 
cept in case of emergency, or with the permission of the 
Visiting Surgeon in charge of the patient. He shall keep a 
complete medical history of each patient in the Hospital, 
and shall perform such other duties as the Medical Board, 
Executive Committee, or the Board of Directors may di- 
rect. 
Sec. 3. The Resident Physician shall have charge of all 
instruments, apparatus, and books of record belonging to the 
Medical Department, and shall be responsible for them and 
their good order. 
Sec. 4. The Assistant Resident Physician shall be a gradu- 
ate of medicine, and be nominated by the Medical Board. 
His election shall be by the Board of Directors for the term 
of one year, with privilege of re-election, and he shall be 
subject to removal for cause upon recommendation of the 
Medical Board. He shall reside in the Hospital free of 
charge, and shall not engage in private practice. He shall 
render such assistance as the Resident Physician may require, 
and shall perform such other duties as may be required by 
the Medical Board, the Executive Committee, or the Board 
of Directors. 
Sec. 5. No patient shall be taken to the operating-room, 
or subjected to examination (except in case of emergency), 
without special direction from a member of the Medical 
Board. By cases of emergency shall be understood only 
those of hemorrhage or excessive pain. 
Chapter XVIL 
The Superintendent. 
Section i. The Superintendent shall have charge of the 
Hospital and all the premises, and shall see that all rules 
and regulations are carried into effect. He shall admit and 
discharge all patients, subject to the rules and orders of the 
Executive Committee. 
Sec. 2. He shall keep, or cause to be kept, for the inspec- 16 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
tion of the Executive Committee a record of the names of all 
patients, with their age, residence, employment, date and 
term of admission; date of discharge, elopement, or death ; 
result of treatment and disposition of remains in case of 
death, with such remarks as he may be requested by the 
Medical Board to make. He shall hire and dismiss all the 
servants and employes in and about the Hospital, subject 
to the order of the Executive Committee. He shall keep an 
inventory of all furniture and other property belonging to 
the Hospital, and shall make quarterly report to the Execu- 
tive Committee of articles injured, destroyed, or missing. 
He shall report to each quarterly meeting of the Board of 
Directors a statement of the number of patients received and 
discharged, and such information in respect to employes 
and the conduct of the Hospital, so far as the same is in his 
charge, as will enable the Board of Directors to determine 
as to the efficiency and economy of its management. 
Sec. 3. He shall, under the direction of the Executive 
Committee, purchase the provisions and all other stores re- 
quired by the Hospital, and shall attend to the proper issue 
of the same, keeping under key wines, spirits, stores, and 
other household articles, and shall perform such other duties 
as the Executive Committee may from time to time direct. 
Chapter XVIII. 
The Engineer. 
Section i. The Engineer shall have charge of the boilers 
and steam machinery of all kinds. He shall be responsible 
for the economical use of coal and steam, and it shall be his 
duty to see that a uniform temperature be maintained in all 
portions of the Hospital buildings during the winter. 
Sec. 2. The Engineer and his Assistant shall be subject to 
the directions of the Superintendent in all matters pertain- 
ing to the Hospital, and shall render such other service as 
the Superintendent may require when not otherwise necessa- 
rily employed in their duties. AND LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
i 7 
Chapter XIX. 
The Matron. 
Section t. The Matron is the housekeeper of the Hospital, 
under the general direction of the Superintendent. She 
shall have the immediate oversight and direction of its do- 
mestic management, and shall superintend and direct the 
cooking and distribution of food ; shall see that the supply is 
sufficient and of good quality. 
Sec. 2. She shall see that all the rooms of the Hospital are 
kept in order; shall have charge of the linen and bed cloth- 
ing for same, and shall discharge such other duties as the 
Superintendent may direct. She shall not leave the Hospital 
without his permission. 
Chapter XX. 
Patients. 
Section i. The Superintendent shall personally receive the 
patients into the Hospital on their admission, and appoint 
for each patient the ward or bed she shall occupy, and 
change the same from time to time, as occasion may require, 
after consultation with the Visiting Surgeon in charge. 
Sec. 2. All applicants for admission to the Hospital pre- 
senting cards of admission from any member of the Medical 
Board shall be admitted without question to the service of 
the Surgeon by whom she is sent. 
Sec. 3. Any applicant presenting a letter from a physician 
not connected with the Hospital, designating the service of 
a particular Surgeon, shall be assigned to such service, pro. 
vided the case is a suitable one for admission, unless it is 
contrary to her own wish expressed at the time. 
Sec. 4. A patient once admitted and assigned shall not 
have the privilege of changing to another service without the 
consent of both Surgeons concerned. 
Sec. 5. All patients not presenting cards of admission 
from Visiting Surgeons of the Hospital shall be admitted by 18 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
the Superintendent after consultation with a House Physician, 
who shall have the right in doubtful cases to make such ex- 
amination as maybe necessary to determine whether the case 
is suitable for admission. 
Sec. 6. No advice or opinion whatever, either voluntary or 
solicited, as to the choice of Surgeons, shall be given to any 
applicant for admission by the Superintendent, by any mem- 
bers of the House Staff, or by any nurse or other person in 
the employ of the Hospital, nor shall anything be said in the 
presence of an applicant to influence her in her choice. 
Sec. 7. Patients unassigned shall be allowed to choose 
their Surgeon, but the choice must be made at the time of 
admission. 
Sec. 8. Patients unassigned, and having no choice or pref- 
erence, shall be assigned in regular rotation to each of the 
Surgeons, without partiality or regard to the number of 
patients already in the service of each Surgeon. 
Sec. 9. Patients shall be admitted to the pay ward in the 
Hospital on payment of not less than $6 a week, and to sepa- 
rate rooms, at rates to vary with the room occupied and at- 
tendance required. Such rates shall be determined by the 
Superintendent with the approval of the Executive Commit- 
tee, and the amounts so charged shall be collected by the 
Superintendent, and turned over as collected to the Treas- 
urer. 
Sec. io. Patients are not permitted to use any article of 
diet, drink, or medicine, except such as are prescribed by 
the Visiting Surgeon in charge, nor to visit the rooms of 
other patients, or the working rooms of the Hospital, or 
to leave the Hospital without the consent of the Superin- 
tendent. 
Sec. 11. No charge shall be made for any surgical or other 
service performed in any of the free wards of the Hospital, 
but the Visiting Surgeon in charge of a pay-patient may 
charge and receive a reasonable fee for any operation per- 
formed by him at her request. AND LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
T9 
Chapter XXI. 
Nurses and Employes. 
Section i. The nurses shall treat the patients with uniform 
kindness and respect, evince good will, interest, and sympa- 
thy, and never address a patient coarsely or with rudeness. 
Sec. 2. Any complaint made to the nurses by the patients 
shall be immediately reported to the Superintendent. 
Sec. 3. Under no circumstances shall a nurse or other em- 
ploye be allowed to inform anyone of the nature of the 
disease from which a patient may be suffering, nor shall they 
be allowed to speak with disrespect of any officer of the 
Hospital, under pain of prompt dismissal. 
Sec. 4. Employes shall not be permitted to absent them- 
selves from the Hospital without first obtaining the consent 
of the Superintendent; and in all cases they shall strictly 
obey his instructions, and be subject to such regulations as 
he shall establish. 
Chapter XXII. 
Visitors. 
Section i. Visitors may be admitted between the hours of 
10 A. M. and 6 P. M. on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays of 
each week, or at other times by special permission of the 
Superintendent. 
Sec. 2. No visitor shall be allowed to carry articles of diet 
to patients unless by permission of the Superintendent. 
Sec. 3. Patients shall receive visitors in the parlor unless 
confined to their rooms. 
Chapter XXIII. 
The Dispensary. 
The dispensary service of the Hospital is intended for 
poor women only, who are unable to pay for the services of 
a physician, and who are suffering from diseases peculiar to 
or essentially modified by their sex. The days for attendance 20 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
will be Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from i to 
3 P. M. Patients will be required to furnish their own bot- 
tles for medicine. 
Chapter XXIV. 
Board of Lady Visitors. 
The Board shall meet at the Hospital monthly. It shall 
appoint from its members the following Committees : 
First. A Ward Committee, composed of four members. 
The Hospital beds shall be divided among the members of 
this Committee, and the members thereof shall inform them- 
selves regarding the condition of each patient under their 
care, and, so far as is consistent with the Hospital rules, 
conduce to the comfort of the same, giving personal care 
and sympathy. 
Second. A Committee on the Library and Devotional Ex- 
ercises. This Committee shall consist of three members, 
and shall have charge of the Library and of the Sabbath 
and other devotional and religious services 
Third. A Committee on Housekeeping. This Committee 
shall consist of three members. They shall investigate the 
condition of the wards, rooms, and offices of the Hospital. 
Each of the foregoing Committees shall report to the Ex- 
ecutive Committee monthly, and the Board of Lady Visitors 
shall report to the Board of Directors at its July meeting the 
result of their work during the preceding year, with such 
suggestions in respect to the conduct of the Hospital as they 
may deem best. 
Chapter XXV. 
Amendment of the By-Laws and Rules. 
These By-Laws and Rules, or any of them, may be altered 
or amended by a two-thirds vote of the Directors present at 
any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors, 
provided such alteration or amendment shall have been pro- 
posed in writing at a previous meeting of the Board. AND LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
2 I 
Appendix. 
REPORT OF THE COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN AND 
LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
Columbia Hospital, 
Washington, D. C.. August 2, 1891. 
Dear Sir :-In compliance with your request, I herewith transmit the 
annual reports of the surgeons in charge, the treasurer's report, and that 
of the Committee of the Hospital for Women and Lying-in Asylum, 
showing the amount of money received and expended during the past 
fiscal year in the support of the institution. 
The need of such an institution is shown by the constant demand made 
for service of the Hospital, not only by resident patients, but of others 
from almost every section of the country. 
We have, however, been able to care for all applicants, and none have 
been refused admittance who were proper subjects for the Hospital. 
During the past year improvements have been made (from the pay- 
patient funds), increasing the efficiency of every department; and there 
is every reason to believe that the Hospital will, in the future as in the 
past, commend itself to the confidence of the community and the liberal 
support of Congress. 
The directors request that the amount asked for for annual support be 
granted, as the amount is as small as is consistent with good care and 
comfort of the patients. 
Very respectfully, John T. Mitchell, 
Vice-President of the Board of Directors.. 
Superintendent of Charities, 
District of Columbia. 
August 1, 1891. 
The Boaid of Directors, Columbia Hospital and Lying-in Asylum: 
Gentlemen :-The committee on personal property respectfully report 
that the record of the property in the Hospital has been properly kept. 
Examinations have been made by the committee whenever requested by 
the superintendent; worn-out and unserviceable articles have been con- 
demned and destroyed, and credited on the inventory of the Hospital. 
The furniture and other personal property of the Hospital is properly 
cared for, and the careful administration of this department is to be com- 
mended. Very respectfully, John T. Mitchell, 
Chairman of CommitLe, 22 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
Columbia Hospital, * 
Washington, D. C., August 2, 1891. 
The Board of Directors of Columbia Hospital: 
I have the honor to present the following report : 
During the past year there have been admitted into the Hospital 424 
patients, and 396 have been discharged. We have received from the pay 
patients the sum of $2,574.71. 
During the last quarter of the fiscal year the service has been very act- 
ive in both the gynecological and obstetrical departments. 
The nursing of the Hospital is at present being conducted under the 
system employed successfully in the principal hospitals of the country. 
Two head nurses are engaged to take charge of the two departments, and 
a present staff of nine under-nurses are detailed on day and night duty 
throughout the Hospital. These nurses are giving good satisfaction in 
their work. We have also a sufficient and efficient staff of servants to 
maintain the cleanliness and good order so essential in a hospital. 
The general conduct in the Hospital has been very satisfactory. 
There has been prepared a complete inventory of the property belong- 
ing to the Hospital, which I beg to present with this report to the board 
of directors and the committees authorized to inspect the same. 
Very respectfully, Georgina F. Pope, 
Superintendent. 
Columbia. Hospital, 
Washington, D. C., August 2, 1891. 
The Board of Directors : 
Gentlemen :-We have the honor to herewith submit the annual re- 
port of Columbia Hospital for the year ending June 3'*, 1891: 
The increase in number of patients during the past six months (the 
period of our connection with the Hospital) and the evidence of increased 
popularity of the institution, both at home and abroad, are very gratify- 
ing, and give promise of still further usefulness We are not, however, 
insensible to the growing demands for better facilities in order that we 
may keep the Hospital fully abreast with the spirit of scientific progress 
of the day in treatment of both gynecological and obstetrical cases, as 
well as in pathological research. 
We therefore recommend that steps be at once taken to secure the erec- 
tion of a suitable building on the L Street front, in which proper arrange- 
ments could be perfected to make this institution compare favorably with 
any other, both in facilities and in result of surgical and other treatment. 
Further suggestions as to details will, in due time, be handed the board 
for their examination and treatment. 
Very respectfully, J. Wesley Bovee, M. D. 
Louis W. Ritchie, M. D. 
I. S. Stone, M. D. 
J. Taber Johnson, M. D. AND LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
23 
Patients in Hospital July 1, 1890 1 24 
Patients admitted during the year 424 
Color: 448 
White -- 251 
Colored 197 
448 
Discharged or left during the year 396 
Died during the year . 9 
Remaining under treatment July 1, 1891 43 
Death-rate per cent during the year 2.22 
Prescriptions compounded during the year - 2 147 
Daily average of patients 35.14 
Report of the Columbia Hospital for Women and Lying-in Asylum. 
Alabama 3 
Austria 1 
Canada 1 
California 1 
Connecticut 1 
Delaware . 1 
District of Columbia 78 
England 2 
France 3 
Georgia 2 
Germany 17 
Indiana 2 
Ireland 21 
Italy 2 
Kentucky 2 
NATIVITIES. 
Louisiana 1 
Maryland 85 
Massachusetts 3 
Mississippi 2 
New Jersey 1 
New York 16 
North Carolina 6 
Ohio 6 
Pennsylvania 14 
Scotland 3 
Unknown 1 
Virginia 171 
West Virginia 2 
448 
STATES OR COUNTRIES. 
California 2 
District of Columbia 294 
Indiana 4 
Ireland 2 
Kansas 1 
Kentucky 3 
Louisiana 1 
Maryland - 41 
Massachusetts 2 
Mississippi 1 
North Carolina 2 
New York 1 
Pennsylvania 6 
Unknown 1 
Virginia 89 
West Virginia 1 
448 
Medical and Surgical Report. 
Patients in Hospital July 1, 1890 14 
Admitted during the year „ 213 
Total to be accounted for 227 
Discharged or left 194 
Died 8 
In Hospital July 1, 1891 25 24 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
Medical and Surgical Report for fiscal year 1890-'91 
Diseases. 
Cured. 
Relieved. 
Incurable 
or 
unreliev'd 
Unknown 
Died. 
In house. 
Total. 
Abscess of leg 
1 
1 
Amenorrhcea 
1 
1 
2 
Anteflexion 
Anteversion 
2 
1 
1 
4 
Bronchitis 
1 
6 
1 
Carcinoma uteri 
. 
1 
7 
Chronic pelvic cellulitis 
6 
1 
Chronic salpingitis 
6 
6 
Cirrhosis of liver 
1 
1 
Cirrhotic ovaries 
1 
1 
Cystitis 
3 
£ 
Cystocele 
...... 
£ 
5 
Dermoid cyst of ovary 
1 
1 
Dysmenorrhcea 
1 
4 
5 
Dysmenorrhoea with profound anaemia.. 
B 
B 
Endocervicitis 
8 
6 
1 
2 
17 
Endometritis 
8 
3 
18 
Endometritis with hypertropic enlarge- I 
1 
ment of cervix 1 
** 
1 
Endometritis with anaemia 
1 
1 
Erosion of cervix 
5 
2 
Exophthalmic goitre 
1 
1 
Facial erysipelas 
1 
5 
1 
Fibro-myomata 
4 
•••••• 
3 
B 
B 
16 
Fungoid granulations of uterine mucosa 
1 
1 
2 
Haemorrhoids 
B 
i 
3 
Hysteria 
i 
1 
B 
Intramural fibro-myomata 
1 
1 
Kyphosis 
1 
1 
Lacerated cervices 
8 
i 
£ 
4 
15 
Lacerated perinei 
B 
1 
3 
6 
Menorrhagia 
4 
B 
Metritis, following abortion 
B 
4 
Metritis, following criminal abortion .... 
1 
1 
Metrorrhagia 
2 
4 
Omental hernia (umbilical) 
1 
2 
1 
Ovarian cystomata 
4 
1 
9 
Ovarian neuralgia 
B 
...... 
2 
Perforation of intestines 
1 
1 
Perimetritis 
1 
1 
2 
2 
Phthisis pulmonalis 
Procidentia uteri 
1 
3 
1 
D 
Prolapse of rectum 
I 
1 
Prolapsed ovaries 
1 
1 
•w 
Puerperal salpingitis 
1 
1 
Pyosolprix 
1 
1 
Rectal abscess 
1 
1 
Rectocele 
1 
1 
Recto-vaginal fistula 
1 
1 
Retroflexion 
1 
2 
1 
Retroversion 
1 
1 
2 
6 
Retroversion and endometritis 
2 
1 
3 
3 
9 
Salfingitis 
1 
B 
3 
Sarcoma uteri 
1 
1 
Sciatica 
1 
1 
Schirrus mammae 
1 
1 
1 
3 
Sloughing submucous fibroids 
1 
1 
1 
3 
Spasmodic dysmenorrheas 
1 
1 
B 
Stenosis of cervical canal 
1 
1 
1 
3 
Submucous polypi 
1 
1 
1 
3 
Suspected extra-uterine pregnancy 
1 
1 
Tubercular peritonitis 
1 
1 
Urethral caruncles 
3 
1 
4 
Vaginitis 
£ 
Vesico-vaginal fistula 
1 
1 
Total 
76 
66 
46 
6 
8 
25 
227 
Cured. 
Relieved. 
Incurable 
or 
unreliev'd 
Unknown 
Died. 
In house. 
Total. AND LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
25 
Operations for fiscal year 1890-'91. 
Diseases. 
Cured. 
Relieved. 
Incurable or un- 
relieved. 
Unknown. 
Died. 
Remaining un- 
der treatment. 
Total. 
Laparotomies: 
1 
1 
3 
4 
1 
1 
1 
6 
2 
1 
1 
Cystic degeneration of ovaries* 
Ovarian cystomata 
1 
1 
; 
1 
J. 
Ovarian dermoid cyst 
Prolapsed cystic ovary (doublet 
oophorectomy) j 
Double oophorectomy for dysmen- I 
orrhoea f 
Pyosalprix (double) 
Hysterectomy (for fibroids) 
Myomectomies 
Omental hernia (umbilical) 
Perforation of intestines (abdomi- I 
nal cavity flushed)! 1 
1 
I 
2 
1 
Abscess of leg 
Carcinoma uteri, curetting 
Carcinoma uteri, intra-uterine galvano- ( 
cauterization i 
Cystocele anterior kolporrhaphy 
9 
1 
1 
1 
5 
9 
23 
1 
1 
1 
1 
4 
6 
9 
2 
1 
10 
1 
1 
1 
1 
2 
1 
4 
Cystocele, perimeorrhaphy 
Curetting 
Dilatation 
4 
4 
8 
1 
9 
1 
1 
1 
1 
"2 
1 
Dilatation and curetting" 
Haemorrhoids (external) 
Lacerated cervices 
Lacerated perinei 
- 1 
Lipomo of buttock 
Prolapse of rectum 
Scirrhus mamma? 
1 
1 
Submucous polyp of uterus 
1 
4 
Urethral caruncles 
Vesicovaginal fistula 
1 
1 
47 
5 
3 
1 
6 
10 
72 
Cured. 
Relieved. 
Incurable or un- 
relieved. 
Unknown. 
Remaining un- 
der treatment, 
r 
Total. 
Died. 
* Extensive adhesions, with perforation of intestines. 
+ Patient admitted in dying condition. 
J. Taber Johnson, M. D. 
I. S. Stone, M. D. 26 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
OBSTETRICAL REPORT. 
Patients in the Hospital July 1, 1890 : 
Delivered 7 
Undelivered _ 3 
Admitted during the year 211 
Total to be accounted for 221 
Discharged after delivery or cure 196 
Left undelivered 6 
Died . - 1 
In Hospital July 1, 1891 : 
Delivered 9 
Undelivered 9 
221 
Patients delivered during the year 187 
Admitted after delivery - 1 
Abortion . 1 
Threatened abortion (averted) 5 
Retained placenta 5 
Sex of children : 
Males • 
White 55 
Colored 46 
Females : 
White 35 
Colored 54 
190 
Operations : 
Forceps deliveries 4 
At inferior strait 2 
At superior strait - 2 
Podalic version 2 
Stricture of rectum dilated 1 
For laceration of perineum, primary 14 
Laparotomy (pelvic abscess) 1 
Mammary abscess, incised 2 
Breech presentations 3 
Dorso-lumbar presentations 1 
Face presentations 2 
Footling presentations 2 
Footling with prolapsed funis 1 
Hand with head .. 3 
Posterior occipital presentations with posterior rotation 6 
Puerperal eclampsia ... 3 
Placenta previa 1 
Post-partal hemorrhage 4 
Antepartal hemorrhage 1 
Carcinoma of rectum 1 
Phthisis 1 AND LYING-IN ASYLUM 
21 
Premature births 9 
Patulous foramen ovale of heart (recovered) 1 
Ophthalmia neonatorum 3 
Twins - 2 
Maternal mortality (cause of acute congestion of kidneys) 1 
Infantile mortality - 14 
Cause of : 
Hernia cerebri 1 
Inanition (two weak twins) 3 
Infantile convulsions 1 
Maldevelopment 1 
Prematurity . ... 7 
Umbilical hemorrhage (from shrinkage of cord) 1 
Stillbirths 13 
Causes of : 
Breech (protracted labor) 1 
Footling (protracted labor) 1 
Footling (prolapsed funis). 1 
Prolapsed funis after birth of first twin 1 
Carcinoma of rectum of mother 1 
Coiled funis 1 
Fall of mother- 1 
Placentia previa 1 
Premature birth (4| months) 1 
Puerperal eclampsia of mother 1 
Congenital syphilis 1 
Unknown 1 
Violence during intoxication of mother 1 
Louis W. Ritchie, M. D., 
J. Wesley Bovee, M. D., 
Obstetric Surgeons. 
Dispensary Report. 
Number of patients under treatment at date of last report 180 
Number of patients received . 1,100 
Total to be accounted for 1,280 
Number cured 183 
Number relieved 358 
Unrelieved or incurable 49 
Unknown (did not return) 1H9 
Sent to Hospital from Dispensary 224 
Not subjects for treatment 134 
Sent to other institutions 128 
Number under treatment July 1, 1891 143 
Number of prescriptions compounded 6,028 28 
COLUMBIA HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN 
Report of Columbia Hospital for Women, and Dispensary, Washing 
ton, D. C., for fiscal year ending July 1, 1891. 
Hospi- 
tal 
Dispen- 
sary. 
Total. 
Number of patients under treatment at date of last 1 
204 
report j 
Number of patients received 
424 
1,100 
1,524 
Total treated 
448 
1,280 
1,728 
Number cured 
272 
183 
455 
Number relieved 
66 
35 ■ 
424 
Unrelieved or incurable 
46 
49 
95 
201 
Unknown 
12 
189 
Not subjects for treatment 
134 
134 
Died 
9 
224 
9 
Sent to Hospital from Dispensary 
224 
Sent to other institutions 
128 
128 
Number under treatment at date of this report 
43 
143 
186 
Births 
187 
6,038 
187 
Prescriptions compounded 
2,147 
8,185 
Washington, D. C., July 20, 1891. 
Gentlemen :-I have the honor to submit, for the information of the 
Commissioners of the District of Columbia, the following report of re- 
ceipts and disbursements on account of Columbia Hospital for Women 
and Lying-in Asylum during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1891, with 
an estimate of the amount required for the support of the Hospital during 
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893. 
United States 
appropriation 
for support 
and mainte- 
nance, 1891. 
Pay-patient 
fund. 
Total. 
RECEIPTS. 
By balance en hand July 1, 1S90 
$2,712 40 
$2,712 40 
20,000 00 
2,574 71 
By amount appropriated by act approved 1 
$20,000 00 
August 6,1890 f 
By amount received from pay patients 1 
2,574 71 
during the fiscal year j 
Total 
$20,000 00 
$5,287 11 
$25,287 11 
EXPENDITURES. 
To amount expended during the fiscal 
year ending June 30,1891, viz: 
1 Services 
$7,509 12 
$600 00 
$8,109 12 
3,316 37 
80 00 
2 Marketing 
"3;316 37 
80 00 
3 Use of telephone 
4 Gas 
5 "Fuel and forage 
1,588 70 
495 98 
1,588 70 
495 98 
(5 Ice 
7 Groceries a.nd provisions 
2,436 17 
9 00 
2,445 17 
2,652 50 
936 43 
S Improvements and repairs ,.... 
B802 50 
626 44 
850 00 
9. Furniture and housekeeping sup- I 
plies f 
10. Books, journals, stationery, and 1 
printing" I 
309 99 
52 95 
150 45 
203 40 
11 Medical and surgical supplies 
1,624 12 
6 00 
1,630 12 
51 25 
13 Insurance 
51 25 
13 Incidentals 
389 95 
389 95 
Total amount expended 
$20,000 00 
$2,366 64 
2,920 47 
$22,366 64 
2,920 
July 1,1891, balance on hand 
Total 
$20,000 00 
$5,287 11 
$25,287 11 AND LYING-IN ASYLUM. 
29 
ESTIMATE. 
For the necessary support and maintenance of the Hospital for the fiscal 
year ending June 30, 1893, the sum of $20,000 will be required. 
I am, with respect, your obedient servant, 
Jno. D. McChesney, 
The Board of Directors. Treasurer. 
Columbia Hospital, 
Washington, D. C., July 7, 1891. 
The Board of Directors, Columbia Hospital: 
Gentlemen :-I herewith submit my annual report of money received 
from pay patients during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1891, viz : 
July, 1890 $ 184 00 
August. 1890 210 00 
September, 1890 183 00 
October, 1890 133 00 
November, 1890 333 00 
December, 1890 155 00 
January, 1891 136 00 
February, 1891 $ 82 00 
March, 1891 240 71 
April, 1891 68 00 
May, 1891 288 00 
June, 1891 562 00 
Total$2,574 71 
Georgina F. Pope, 
Superintendent.