SENATE 
No. 67. 
DOCUMENTS 
RELATING TO THE 
MASSACHUSETTS CHARITABLE 
EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. PETITION 
To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts : 
The undersigned, in behalf of the Massachusetts Char- 
itable Eye and Ear Infirmary, respectfully represent, that 
said institution was incorporated by the Legislature in 
the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty-seven 
—that since its commencement to the present time, it 
has, as your petitioners have reason to believe, been the 
means of accomplishing much good to the community, by 
gratuitous and successful treatment of diseases of the eye 
and ear. This charity was founded for the relief of the 
indigent and afflicted, it having been ascertained by care- 
ful observation, there existed much disease affecting the 
organs of sight and hearing, particularly the former, among 
the laboring classes of the community, whose limited means 
did not permit them to obtain medical advice and treat- 
ment in the ordinary way. It has hitherto been sustain- 
ed entirely by the contributions of benevolent individuals ; 
but the funds accruing from this source, though used with 
the greatest economy, have not proved adequate to the 
demands made upon them ; and owing to this cause, 
many applicants from the country have been obliged to 
return home without relief. Your petitioners believe that 
this institution ought to be placed on a firmer foundation 
with respect to funds, than it has hitherto stood upon, 
and that it is every way worthy of the patronage of the 
Commonwealth. 4 
March 
EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. 
They therefore pray your honorable body to grant it 
such pecuniary aid, as in your wisdom may seem proper, 
to enable it to accomplish the object for which it was 
founded. 
ROBERT G. SHAW, President. 
JOSEPH P. BRADLEE, 
S. D. TOWNSEND, 
HENRY UPHAM, 
HENRY RICE, 
HENRY EDWARDS, 
JOHN JEFFRIES, 
SAMUEL H. WALLEY, Jr. 
GEORGE HALLET, 
WILLIAM W. STONE, 
J. WILEY EDMANDS, 
EDWARD REYNOLDS, Jr. 
GEORGE E. HEAD, 
FRANCIS J. OLIVER, 
Officers and Managers. 
House of Representatives, Jan. 27, 1837. 
Referred to the Committee on Public Charitable In- 
stitutions. 
Sent up for concurrence. 
L. S. CUSHING, Clerk. 
In Senate, Jan. 27, 1837. 
Concurred. 
CHA’S. CALHOUN, Clerk. 1837. 
SENATE—No. 67. 
5 
The Committee appointed by the Managers of the Mas- 
sachusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary, to bring 
the claims of this Institution before the Legislature of 
the Commonwealth, respectfully present to the Com- 
mittee of the Honorable the Senate and House of l\ep- 
resentatives the following statement of the origin, his- 
tory and present condition of the Institution under 
their charge: 
A private charity, under the denomination of “ The 
Boston Infirmary for the gratuitous treatment of the Dis- 
eases of the Eye and Ear,” was commenced by the pres- 
ent surgeons in the latter part of the year 1824; from a 
conviction on their minds of its utility and importance, 
derived from what they had known of similar institutions 
in other countries, and from the amount of disease which 
they knew to exist in this place and its vicinity. They 
did not, however, feel authorized to appeal to the public 
for assistance before they were able to furnish sufficient 
facts to prove its necessity. They accordingly conducted 
it as a measure of experiment, at their own cost, for about 
sixteen months, when its importance seemed to be so 
fully showm by the amount of disease treated, and the 
success of their exertions, that in March, 1826, they 
thought it expedient to bring its claims to patronage be- 
fore their friends. 
A meeting was accordingly held at the Exchange Coffee 
House in Boston, at which the Hon. John Welles pre- 6 
EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. 
March 
sided, where a report of cases was read by the surgeons, 
and such facts as had come before them were communi- 
cated. The gentlemen assembled were so impressed 
with a conviction of the usefulness and the importance of 
the institution, that it was determined bv the meeting to 
give it a more perfect trial as a public charity. A sub- 
scription was accordingly commenced, and about two 
thousand dollars as a permanent fund, and about three 
hundred dollars in annual subscriptions was raised in sup- 
port of the institution. 
The number of cases in the first report of the surgeons 
was 856—at the annual meeting of the subscribers in 
March, 1827, the surgeons again reported the number of 
654 cases. In February of that year, 1827, they were 
incorporated by the Legislature of this Commonwealth, 
under the title of the Massachusetts Charitable Eye and 
Ear Infirmary, with the requirement to hold their annual 
meeting on the last Thursday of October. From this pe- 
riod it has continued its unobtrusive progress in doing 
good, and its steady march into public estimation. But 
as from their situation the surgeons have been precluded 
from an opportunity of pleading its merits, this great and 
deserving charity has been slow in receiving the pecu- 
niary aid to which its merits most fully entitle it; and it 
is presumed that it is not yet known and appreciated as it 
deserves. In November, 1828, in consequence of the in- 
terest excited by the report of the surgeons for that year, 
a meeting was held to promote the welfare of the Infir- 
mary, at which a most respectable committee was ap- 
pointed, “ for the purpose of bringing the claims of the 
institution before the public.” This committee, after a 
full examination of the general and detailed operations of 1837. 
SENATE—No. 67. 
7 
the Infirmary, made a report for circulation, highly com- 
mendatory of the establishment. 
From this report the undersigned beg leave to offer 
the following extracts, as fully evincing the necessity and 
benefit of the institution to the public. 
“ An observation of the occurrences at the rooms and 
the perusal of the former reports of the surgeons, force 
upon our conviction the following facts : 
1. That diseases of the eyes are eminently the diseases 
of the poor, and mostly of the industrious poor. Although 
a great portion of the applicants at the rooms are not ab- 
solutely paupers, it is apparent that many in our commu- 
nity may become subjects for a charity like this, if de- 
prived, by any affection of the eyes, of the means of 
providing for their daily support. Of this class are jour- 
neymen mechanics, tradesmen, females of small income, 
and various individuals whose means make them inde- 
pendent while in health, but who are unable to provide 
relief when afflicted with these diseases. By the rich, 
complaints of the eyes meet with attention in their early 
stages. But by the poor they are neglected from neces- 
sity. And as the tendency of these diseases is to increase, 
a vast number of cases terminate, if not in blindness, at 
least in distressing complaints, preventing the use of the 
organ, which by an early attention, would have admitted 
of an easy cure. “ It has been stated,’5 says a report of 
the New York Eye Infirmary, “by the medical attendant 
of the alms house at Bellevue, that a considerable number 
of paupers are annually received and supported there who 
have been reduced to the necessity of subsisting on the 
public bounty, by loss of sight, induced by diseases which 
might have been cured by attention in the first instance.” 
But it is not necessary to go abroad for support of this 8 
EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. 
March 
fact. It appears that several cases have occurred, of re- 
lief of individuals who wrere confined in the houses for 
the poor in this city and the neighboring towns, who, but 
for this relief, would have continued to be inmates of the 
alms house. And it is found that there are, in almost 
every alms house, cases of incurable blindness, which, in 
an earlier stage, admitted of cure. Mechanics, by their 
occupations, are of necessity much exposed to injury of 
this tender organ, some of its diseases being almost con- 
fined to this important class of our citizens. And indus- 
trious females, who depend upon their exertions for daily 
support, are at once rendered destitute by the deprivation 
of sight, or by any such annoying or painful disease, as 
may deprive them of the use of that organ. So that the 
number of the community who may become subjects for 
charity, is very manifestly considerable. 
2. That Eye Infirmaries are the only places where the 
poor will apply for the relief of that organ in most of its 
diseases. Previous to the establishment of eye infirma- 
ries in Europe, and this country, there does not seem to 
have been any account of disease of these organs treat- 
ed ; although in every place where they have been found- 
ed, there have previously existed hospitals, dispensaries, 
and other places where treatment might have been 
sought. But to the Eye Infirmary they have always 
resorted without hesitation. 
3. That an infirmary is best calculated to afford 
means to acquire information, of these diseases, and to dis- 
seminate a knowledge of their treatment. This is mani- 
fest from the great number of cases which apply to such 
an institution, comprising all the various diseases of these 
organs; and thus giving an opportunity for observation, 
and discrimination, which could not have been acquired 1837. 
SENATE—No. 67. 
9 
in the limited private practice of the surgeons. To the 
student of medicine also, it affords not only an opportu- 
nity for obtaining a knowledge of these diseases, but an 
ample field for illustrating principles, in surgery and med- 
icine, which can no where be so well explained. 
4. That the public mind is not sufficiently apprized of 
the fact, that these diseases admit so generally of relief 
From the reports of the surgeons, it appears that seven 
eighths of the cases which they have treated have been 
cured or relieved ; and it is probable that a much larger 
proportion could have been relieved, if they had all re- 
ceived medical aid in the commencement of the disease. 
5. That the amount of disease of these organs, is 
vastly greater than would have been anticipated. The 
statement of the surgeons, which shows that more than 
2,600 patients have already applied to this institution,* 
is sufficient evidence of this fact; especially when it is 
considered, that the institution has been very partial- 
ly patronized, and even much embarrassed in its opera- 
tions. 
6. That the amount of benefit conferred, is incalcula- 
bly greater than the amount of means expended. When 
it is considered how many have been cured, and relieved, 
and how little has been expended ; it is apparent, that no 
institution of equal pecuniary ability, can vie with it in 
importance, or is capable of effecting an equal amount of 
good. 
7. That it has been conducive to public economy, by 
reducing the expenses of the city, for the support of the 
poor ; and not only directly by releasing several from the 
* This was in 1828. The number of applicauts at this period, 1837, since 
the commencement of the Infirmary is 8,134. 10 
EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. 
March 
alms-house, but indirectly by preventing many from seek- 
ing that last resort of the afflicted. 
8. That these diseases are, by their nature, of a char- 
acter more deeply interesting than any ivhich affect the hu- 
man frame. This might be shown by detailing cases 
which are continually occuring at the rooms. But as a 
few of these are noticed in the last report, (1828) of the 
surgeons, it will only be remarked, that this is made ap- 
parent from the facts that these are the diseases of those 
organs, which constitute a large proportion of the com- 
fort and usefulness of man. Here, the disconsolate ten- 
ant of the poor-house, has been restored to cheerfulness 
and social life. Here children, born by the providence 
of God without sight, have by his blessing been brought 
to see and enjoy the works of nature, and the word of 
life. Here, many have been restored to the privilege of 
sabbath and weekly schools, and here in fine, very many, 
in almost hopeless blindness, or deaf, without any expec- 
tation of relief, have been restored to domestic comforts, 
social joys and civil and religious duties. These have in 
many cases, drawn forth the most eloquent and touching 
effusions of gratitude. 
From the above we think it to be manifest, that this is 
a charity simple in its operations, and capable of effect- 
ing a great amount of good. 
(Signed by) EDWARD TUCKERMAN, 
JOSEPH TUCKERMAN, 
LYMAN BEECHER, 
CHARLES LOWELL, 
DANIEL SHARP, 
EZRA S. GANNETT, 
BENJAMIN D. GREENE, 
WILLIAM B. REYNOLDS* 1837. 
SENATE—No. 67. 
11 
At the time of this report, the funded property of the 
infirmary was about $2,700, and the annual subscrip- 
tions about 200. The forcible appeal of the committee 
was not immediately productive of assistance to the in- 
stitution, but by its steady and successful efforts, in re- 
lieving the suffering poor, its popularity as an eleemosyn- 
ary establishment, has so much increased, as to lead to 
the successful exertions of some of its friends to increase 
its funds. From private subscriptions, collected mostly 
by a gentleman, Mr. Joseph P. Bradlee, of this city, well 
known as the spirited patron and friend of every public 
improvement, the funded property of the institution 
amounted, in June of this year, to the sum of about 
16,000 dollars. After this brief history of the Infirmary, 
the attention is solicited to an important feature in the 
institution, on which rests one of its strong claims for legis- 
lative bounty. It was early found by the surgeons, and 
the fact was always prominent in the remarks, which ac- 
companied their annual reports of cases, that a large 
number of the applicants at the rooms came from a dis- 
tance, without any means of support when in the city. 
Many of these, from their destitution, have been compel- 
led to return, without treatment, to their respective houses 
in the country. 
For the relief of such cases as were exigent, a small 
sum was allowed, by the managers, for the board of such 
patients, while under the care of the surgeons. But, as 
it was found that the small means of the institution, 
were inadequate to the relief of even the most pressing 
cases, without an infringement upon the funded property 
of the infirmary, the surgeons declined to avail them- 
selves of this help, and preferred to look for assistance 
from their charitable friends. In this way, and from 12 
EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. 
March 
this source, many have been supported, during the pro- 
fessional attendance of the surgeons. But it is apparent 
that this mode of relief could only be sufficient for cases 
of imperious necessity. It could not afford aid to the 
most of those who applied from abroad, and especially, 
it could not attract, and draw to the rooms, those who 
were suffering from diseases of the eye, in different parts 
of the Commonwealth. 
The necessity of an establishment wfhere all such des- 
titute sufferers should be received from abroad, and where 
they should come under the immediate and constant in- 
spection and care of the surgeons, has become each year 
more and more apparent. Among those who have been 
received, the surgeons have found that they had to con- 
tend against disease, aggravated by all the evils attendant 
upon poverty. Complaints, which would speedily yield to 
treatment in a comfortable apartment, would be continued 
by the exposure of the patient in a damp, smoky or oth- 
erwise unhealthy tenement. While in other cases curable 
disease has been continued, by the necessity under which 
the patient lay to labor, at least to such an extent as to 
defray the expense of board. The number of these ca- 
ses, added to those from abroad, has lorced upon the con- 
viction of the managers, that they must no longer defer 
taking measures to provide a proper place for their recep- 
tion and treatment. Accordingly, when the funds of the 
institution had reached the amount of about $16,000, 
they felt authorized to purchase a building for the pur- 
poses of the infirmary. A favorable opportunity having 
occurred, to become possessed of a house, sufficiently 
large, and centrally situated, requiring but little alteration 
to make it perfectly suited to the wants of the case, the 
managers did purchase a building and premises, in Octo- 1837. 
SENATE—No. 67. 
13 
ber last; trusting that they should be sustained in it by a 
benevolent public, ever ready to afford aid in a commen- 
dable enterprize. The situation of the infirmary, then, 
as respects the prospect of aiding, more fully and effi- 
ciently, the suffering poor, is this: An adequate place is 
provided, through the liberality of the private subscrip- 
tions of the citizens of Boston ; whatever is yet deficient, 
to defray fully the expense of this, the managers of the 
infirmary have no doubt will be drawn from the same 
benevolent fountain. But here the resources of the in- 
stitution are limited; and without further assistance, 
from some other source, the institution cannot extend its 
benefits. In this situation, the managers turn their eyes 
towards the legislative bodies of the Commonwealth, with 
the earnest request, that their claims may receive a pa- 
tient attention, and with a confident expectation, that this 
deserving charity may receive the fostering aid of the 
State government. 
The managers have been often urged, in their pressing 
necessities, to apply to the Legislature for aid ; but they 
have uniformly opposed the measure, until their claim 
should stand on that strong ground on which it now rests. 
They did not wish to ask for the means to purchase or 
erect a building, for the ornament, use or convenience of 
the city ; but when the city should have provided such an 
one, they felt assured, that the council of the Common- 
wealth would enable them to receive into its charitable 
walls, every child of suffering from abroad, whose case 
required its friendly aid. 
As a charity, this institution is free from all objections 
so plausibly made against most of the establishments 
raised to offer aid in every kind of distress. It may be 
true, that to multiply charities is to increase pauperism; 14 
EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. 
March 
and to aid the suffering criminal is to patronize crime ; 
but this moral observation, if it be true to the full extent, 
cannot include the object of this charity. As has been 
remarked, the cases which have been presented for treat- 
ment, have been for the most part from among the indus- 
trious poor. 
With these, a necessity to labor has, in most instances, 
promoted disease, until the suffering induced could no 
longer be endured, when relief has been solicited. It is 
not for a moment to be presumed that an individual, in- 
dependent when in health, would expose himself to suf- 
fering and dependence, merely because he could obtain 
relief when thus afflicted ; much less, that he should be 
so enticed to this charity, as to cast away the blessing of 
sight to obtain its shelter or its aid. The diseases which 
it treats are the natural effects of the violation of the 
laws of the animal economy, and not the result of a viola- 
tion of the law's of God or man. They are the acts of 
Providence, and not the fruits of immorality. They may, 
therefore, be pitied and relieved, by every statesman and 
philanthropist, without the fear of inducing to poverty or 
inviting to crime. 
As a school for instruction in these diseases, this insti- 
tution is deserving of liberal patronage. Before the es- 
tablishment of eye infirmaries, this important class of dis- 
eases were too much neglected by men of science, and 
left to be treated, by self-styled oculists, by nostrums 
and specifics, from the erroneous notion that the common 
principles of pathology did not apply to the complaints of 
an organ of sense. But w’hen these diseases were col- 
lected for observation, examined by science, and treated 
on well known principles, a most important change w?as 
effected for the relief of suffering humanity. They now 1837. 
SENATE—No. 67. 
15 
afford an ample field for study in pathology, not only as 
respects the affections of the eyes, but as furnishing, in 
an organ subject to visual observation, an illustration of 
the changes produced by disease in organs which are con- 
cealed from view. It is unnecessary to remark, that in- 
struction can be much more perfectly rendered from cases 
which are constantly under the supervision and control of 
the physician, than in cases where the disease is influ- 
enced by extraneous and adventitious causes. 
A much greater amount of benefit may be conferred 
upon those afflicted with these complaints, if they can be 
provided with a comfortable residence, under the strict 
care of the surgeons and attendants. Exposed in the 
cold, damp and cheerless apartments, often occupied by 
the poor, especially by those reduced from loss of sight, it 
is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to bring to a 
favorable issue, what might be easily accomplished in a 
dry and healthy room, with judicious nursing and atten- 
dance. This is particularly the case after important sur- 
gical operations. 
To enable the institution to receive those who apply 
for aid from abroad, and who are unable to provide com- 
fortable apartments in the city, while receiving the aid of 
the surgeons, and to give a shelter to the destitute, who 
permanently or transiently reside here, while afflicted 
with the diseases of the eye and ear—to open a school 
for instruction in those important complaints—to aid the 
cause of science, by opening a new field for observation— 
and to promote the cause of charity, the managers of the 
infirmary respectfully request that the Legislature wdll 
afford them the means of opening and conducting the es- 
tablishment which has been purchased, in such a manner 
as will best fulfil its benevolent designs. 16 
EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. 
March 
A report of the surgeons of the infirmary, which ac- 
companies this statement, will exhibit the fact, that the 
great proportion of the applicants are in the vigor of life, 
being of the age of between twenty and forty years; so 
that when restored to the enjoyment of sight, they may 
become for many years useful members of society. The 
number of males and females is about the same. 
The number of applicants since the commencement of 
the institution was, in October last, 8154, 
The number of towns in the Commonwealth from 
which patients have been received, during the five last 
years, is 153. 
The following account, taken from the last five years, 
exhibits the fact, that the proportion of out of town pa- 
tients has been each year increasing. It being in 1831-2 
not quite one-fifth ; in 1835-6 it was one-third of the 
whole number. This exhibits its increasing popularity 
abroad ; notwithstanding the little aid afforded in provid- 
ing board for those from out of town. 
Who’e 
number oi 
patients 
treated. 
From 
Boston. 
From oth- 
er towns 
in Mass. 
From oth- 
er States 
Whole number of those not 
from Boston. 
October, 1832, 
666 
539 
108 
19 
127 = not quite 1-5 
October, 1833, 
778 
565 
170 
43 
213= 5-18 
October, 1834, 
750 
558 
167 
25 
192 = 4-15 
October, 1835, , 
721 
507 
181 
33 
214 = 2-7 
October, 1836, 
637 
431 
163 
43 
206 = 1-3 
From 1831 to Oct. 1836, 
3552 
2600 
789 
163 
952= rather more than 1-4 
In conclusion, the honorable the Committee of the 
Senate and House of Representatives are respectfully in- 
vited to attend at the house of the infirmary, and examine 
the character of the patients, the nature of the cases, the 1837. 
SENATE—No. 67. 
17 
benefit conferred, and such other circumstances as are to 
be learnt from a personal observation of the occurrences 
at the institution. 
All which is most respectfully presented by 
JOHN JEFFRIES, 
S. D. TOWNSEND, 
GEORGE E. HEAD, 
HENRY UPHAM, 
HENRY RICE. WHOLE NUMBER OF CASES 
ADMITTED TO THE EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY, 
From October 30th, 1835 to October 20th, 1836 637. 
Number of patients affected 
with diseases of the eye, 513 
Number of patients affected 
with diseases of the ear, 124 
Of these there were males, 263 
££ “ “ females, 251 
££ ££ “ females, 54 
££ ££ “ males, 69 
Ages of Males with diseases of 
the Eyes. 
Ages of Females with diseases of 
the Eyes. 
Under 10 years of age, 56 
Between 10 and 20 years, 47 
££ 20 ££ 30 ££ 82 
££ 30 ££ 40 ££ 43 
“ 40 ££ 50 ££ 16 
££ 50 ££ 60 ££ 11 
££ 60 ££ 70 ££ 6 
££ 70 ££ 80 ££ 1 
££ 80 ££ 90 ££ 1 
Under 10 years of age 54 
Between 10 and 20 years, 50 
££ 20 ££ 30 <£ 64 
££ 30 ££ 40 ££ 37 
££ 40 ££ 50 ££ 27 
“ 50 ££ 60 ££ 10 
££ 60 ££ 70 ££ 6 
££ 70 ££ 80 ££ 3 
££ 80 ££ 90 ££ 
Ages of Males with diseases of 
the Ears. 
Ages of Females with diseases of 
the Ears. 
Under 10 years of age, 13 
Between 10 and 20 years, 18 
££ 20 ££ 30 ££ 13 
££ 30 ££ 40 ££ 9 
££ 40 ££ 50 ££ 6 
££ 50 ££ 60 ££ 2 
££ 60 ££ 70 ££ 6 
££ 70 ££ 80 “ 2 
Under 10 years of age, 9 
Between 10 and 20 years, 13 
“ 20 “ 30 “ 13 
“ 30 “ 40 « 4 
“ 40 “ 50 “ 7 
“ 50 “ 60 “ 4 
“ 60 “ 70 “ 3 
“ 70 ££ 80 ££ 1 1837. 
SENATE—No. 67. 
19 
Result of the Cases. 
Result unknown, 41 
Not treated, 37 
Under treatment, 28 
Recovered, 479 
Relieved, 52 
List of the diseases and the number of each 
No. of Cases. 
40 Amaurosis, 
8 Amblyopic weakness, 
27 Cornea, opacity of, 
3 “ pustule of, 
18 “ ulcer of, 
9 “ foreign substance in, 
7 Corneitis, 
3 Ectropium, 
2 Entropium, 
4 Epiphora, 
2 Ecchymosis, 
2 Eyeball, rupture of, 
1 “ wound of, 
17 Cataract of one eye, 
4 “ of both eyes, 
4 Fistula lachrymalis, 
3 Glaucoma, 
6 Granular lids, 
3 Hordeolum, 
3 Hypopium, 
4 Iris, prolapsus of, 
1 Iritis syphilitic, 
9 Iritis, simple, 
No. of Cases. 
8 Lachrymal passage, obstruc- 
tion of, 
6 Lachrymal passage, inflam, of, 
2 Lens, dislocation of, 
47 Lippitudo, 
4 Lid, abscess of, 
15 “ tumour of, 
2 “ erysipelas of, 
2 “ wound of, 
1 “ spasms of, 
87 Ophthalmia, acute, 
15 “ chronic, 
9 “ purulent, 
4 “ of infants, 
40 “ strumous, 
10 “ rheumatic, 
2 Ptosis, 
4 Pterygium, 
2 Onyx, 
17 Retina, morbid sensibility of 
4 Staphyloma, 
2 Strabismus, 
37 Tinea Cilearis, 
1 Supercilium, wound of, 
List of diseases of the Ear, and number of each. 
No. of Cases. 
No, of Cases. 
18 Concha, obstruction of, 
10 “ inflammation of, 
1 “ abscess of, 
3 Herpes Auris, 
44 Otorrhoea, 
18 Ottitis, 
19 Nervous deafness, 
10 Tinnitus Aurium, 
1 Polypus of the ear. 20 
EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. 
March 
Places of Residence of Patients who applied at the Infirmary. 
1 Abington, 
1 Amherst, 
1 Ashburnham, 
1 Amherst N. H., 
2 Alden, 
1 Amesbury, 
1 Athol, 
1 Albany, N. Y. 
2 Bangor, Me. 
1 Bethuen, 
1 Bolton, 
1 Bedford, N. H. 
3 Brighton, 
431 Boston, 
1 Bristol, R. I. 
1 Braintree, 
1 Beverly, 
2 Bedford, 
1 Billerica, 
1 Boxborough, 
1 Bergen, (Norway,) 
15 Charlestown, 
39 Cambridge, 
1 Carlisle, 
1 Calais, Me. 
2 Cohassett, 
3 Chatham, 
I Concord, 
1 Damariscotta, 
5 Dorchester, 
3 Dedham, 
1 Dennis, 
1 Eastham, 
1 Exeter, N. H. 
1 Eastport, Me. 
1 Foster, R. I., 
1 Foxborough, 
1 Framingham, 
2 Gloucester, 
1 Grafton, 
3 Gardiner, Me. 
1 Hamburg, 
2 Hopkinton, 
1 Hollis, N. H. 
1 Heath, 
1 Halifax, N. S. 
1 Harvard, 
4 Kennebunk, Me. 
1 Lincoln, 
2 Leominster, 
6 Lynn, 
1 Lowell, 
1 Mount Desert, Me. 
1 Marlborough, 
1 Middleton, N. H. 
1 Malden, 
3 Milton, 
1 Munson, 
5 Marblehead, 
2 Marshpee, 
4 Medford, 
1 Mason, N. H. 
2 New Bedford, 
1 New Boston, N. H. 
1 New York, 
1 Newton, 
1 New Brunswick, 
1 Provincetown, 
4 Portsmouth, N. H. 
1 Perkinsville, Vt. 
1 Providence, R. I. 
1 Portland, Me. 
3 Quincy, 
1 Randolph, 
1 Rockingham, Vt. 
16 Roxbury, 
1 Stow, 
1 Scituate, 
2 S. Reading, 
2 Salem, 
1 Scotland, 
2 Sherburne, 
1 Sturbridge, N. H. 
1 Saugus, 
1 Sandwich, 
2 Saco, 
1 Southborough, 
1 Truro, 
3 Tyngsborough, 
1 Taunton, 
1 Uxbridge, 
1 Vinal Haven, Me. 
1 Waltham, 
1 Waldoborough, 1837. 
SENATE—No. 67. 
21 
1 Wayland, 
1 Woburn, 
1 Wellfleet, 
1 Watertown, 
l Weymouth, 
Whole number from Boston, 431 
“ “ “ out ol 
town, 
206 
; / 
Whole number, 637 CommoutocaUtj of jHaasacljusetts* 
In Senate, March 3, 1837. 
The Joint Standing Committee on Public Charitable 
Institutions, to whom was committed the Petition of 
the “ Massachusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infirma- 
ry ,” have attended to the duty assigned them, and res- 
pectfully 
REPORT: 
That, in order to understand the true character and 
objects of this institution, located in the city of Boston, 
your committee have carefully examined the Infirmary 
and witnessed the method in which its general business 
operations are conducted. Next to the Asylum for the 
Blind, (if not even above that, and all others) its claims 
to public consideration and encouragement, are every 
w here acknowledged. The groups of unfortunate beings 
of every age, from nursing infancy to threescore years 
and ten, seeking relief from partial or total blindness, is 
really astonishing. A great variety of diseases of the 
eye, w hich, if not skilfully treated by those who possess 
every possible advantage, derived from experience, from 
science, and from surgical conveniencies, would utterly 
incapacitate the individual for all labor, are treated gratu- 
itously at this infirmary—where the blind are made to 
see, the deaf to hear, if within the power of man to ac- 
complish it—and the diseased eye, which, under ordinary 24 
EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. 
March 
treatment, was hastening on to a worse, and even a per- 
fectly hopeless condition, has here been readily and per- 
manently relieved 
Ophthalmic surgery is a distinct department of the 
medical profession, of the greatest benefit to mankind, 
and therefore deserving the sustaining influence of the 
Legislature. 
It is not possible that, in miscellaneous practice, every 
physician and surgeon can be sufficiently conversant with 
the various maladies, to which the organs of vision are 
subject—to meet every difficulty—and operate with the 
success of one whose whole life has been devoted to one 
single branch of the healing art. It was said by the cele- 
brated Baron Wenzell, an eminent European oculist, of 
great and deserved distinction, that “ he had spoiled a 
hat-full of eyes before he knew how to operate successfully ” 
It is presumed, therefore, that there is always danger, 
that more injury than benefit will be derived from any 
course of surgical treatment of this delicate organ, by one 
who is not frequently consulted, and who has not become 
perfectly familiar with its minute anatomical structure— 
its functions, and its morbid affections. 
It has been with a view to creating the highest standard 
of human excellence, that governments have fostered in- 
stitutions of learning—sustained medical schools, and lib- 
erally endowed hospitals. In a word, the system is uni- 
versal in all civilized countries—and, under providence, 
has brought the art of operative surgery to such a standard 
of perfection, that no community could dispense with it, 
without feeling and realizing that an immense amount of 
suffering, disease and death, would inevitably be the 
result. 
The Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary asks for relief 1837. 
SENATE—No. 67. 
25 
and aid—not for itself—not for its officers, nor as a re- 
ward for services rendered—but for the sick and indigent, 
W'ho seek its portals from all sections of the Common- 
wealth, as the last and only remaining place in which 
there is even a hope of relief. Were the feelings of be- 
nevolence entirely out of the question, and philanthropy, 
that best attribute of the heart, in no instance permitted 
to exercise its benign influences in the holy cause of re- 
lieving human misery, the principles of economy alone 
would justify the Commonwealth in making liberal ap- 
propriations for this most excellent charity. If the citi- 
zens of Massachusetts have manifested a perfect and 
ready willingness to support the indigent blind, till they 
have acquired a knowledge of some species of handicraft, 
by which they can maintain themselves honorably, com- 
fortably and independently,—surely they will not, in this 
enlightened age, murmur at an expenditure which would 
essentially lessen the number of those who are liable to 
become paupers from blindness. There are many un- 
happy men, women and children, supported in alms- 
houses, on account of defective vision or total blindness, 
who might be wholly restored to sight, and who would 
consider it the summit of earthly felicity to be able to 
maintain themselves. But to many of this unhappy class, 
there seems to be no prospect of relief. They have no 
means of supporting themselves at the institution, when 
they arrive, until a deliberate investigation of their cases 
can be had, and the success of operations and treatment, 
fully and satisfactorily ascertained. Private benevolence 
cannot maintain the vast number of calls made by the 
poor and afflicted. Patients are continually arriving and 
departing—and each returning one spreads farther and 
w'ider the benefits and praises of this institution. The 26 
EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. 
March 
effect has been to increase the patients till the cases are 
so numerous as to interfere with the private occupations 
of gentlemen who have been active in raising the infir- 
mary to its present rank. No one of the surgeons re- 
ceives any compensation whatever for services rendered 
to a claimant for surgical relief. All is free—all gratui- 
tous. But the bright plans, the cheering hopes, the 
buoyant spirits of those who have been for years in total 
and unchanging darkness, are too frequently thrown back 
into despondency and eternal night in the midst of day, 
just for the want of the simple necessaries of life, and a 
roof to shelter them until a cure can be completed. 
Your Committee might adduce a great number of cases 
which came under their notice, while on a visit to the 
institution, to illustrate this fact. They will, however, 
notice but two: one, a lad of twelve years of age, the 
other, a child but one year old—both of whose parents 
reside out of the city, and both afflicted with diseases of 
the eyes, which would inevitably result in permanent 
total blindness, if not speedily attended to, but which are 
perfectly curable by proper and scientific treatment. But 
the parents are in such indigent circumstances, as to pre- 
vent their providing suitable accommodations for them in 
this city. They are, therefore, deprived of the benefits 
which they might receive from the institution, for no 
other reason, than that they are unable to furnish them a 
shelter and attendance for the short time required to effect 
their cure. These are named but as examples, of which 
a great number are daily occurring. 
Although your Committee have embodied as many 
statistical and historical facts, illustrative of the useful- 
ness and undeniable importance of this institution, as might 
be deemed necessary, (in a country, too, like ours, where 1837. 
SENATE—-No. 67. 
27 
all are industrious but the maimed, and all are happy who 
seek for happiness in a rational manner, except the blind 
and insane,) yet they would urgently recommend the per- 
sonal attention of the members of the Legislature to the 
daily concerns of this theatre of benevolence ; being assur- 
ed that every gentleman will be strongly impressed with 
the justness of its claims to public assistance. With 
these views, your Committee ask leave to report the ac- 
companying resolve. They have appended the historical 
statement of a committee of the infirmary to this Report, 
and as making a part of it. 
All which is respectfully submitted. 
By order of the Committee. 
£. A. GREENWOOD. ftonunontocaltlj of 
In the Year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty- 
Seven. 
% 
RESOLVE 
On the Petition of the Massachusetts Charitable Eye 
and Ear Infirmary. 
•* ** 
Resolved, That, for the reasons set forth in said peti- 
tion, there be allowed and paid out of the treasury of this 
Commonwealth, the sum of five thousand dollars to the 
Massachusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary—and 
also to the same, the further sum of two thousand dollars 
per annum for the ne*t succeeding five years, -in aid of 
the charitable purposes of said institution, and that war- 
rants be drawn accordingly.