;%&.& :l.#fjp 3r,i___ n i V r -©©fe- Surgeon General's Office *"^ i'£V£»> T*X a* *»jt_i& *___■ J3asen/e//t ASYLIM 1 ?'mrf/n//- Story IfffJMv .M' f) asemcnt Story Hospital Pr/nci/iat7 Story AN ACCOUNT OF THE a,_r©lH__. U-WSOTtfJUfo —-=P!«I«1$®!®I*1«=" ^uimAity.'? NEW-YORK: PRINTED BT MAHLON DAY, NO. 84, W tTER-STBEET, 1820. COJVTEJVTS. Sect. I. Historical and Descriptive Sketch of the Institution Sect. II. Bye-Laws and Regulations. Sect. Ill Charter of Incorporation. Sect. IV. Acts of the Legislature. Sect. V. An account of the number of Patients admitted into Hospital, from 1792 to 1819. Sect. VI. Names of the Governors, Officers, fyc. Sect. VII. Names of (he Members of the Corporation. AN ACCOUNT OP THE £®W*T©2B^ »»2mi><*. «=>Ulll<^!IIIKB- SECTION I. An Historical and Descriptive Sketch of the Institution. IN the year 1770, some of the most respectable and public spirited inhabitants of the city of New-York, subscribed considerable sums of money, for the purpose of erecting and establishing a public Hospital; and a petition was presented by Peter Middleton, John Jones, and Samuel Bard,* three eminent physicians, to Lieutenant Governor Colden, then commander-in-chief of the province of New-York, for a charter of incorporation, which was, in consequence, granted the fol- lowing year, by the Earl of Dunmore, governor and commander-in- chief of the province. By this charter, dated the 13th of June, 1771, the mayor, record- er, aldermen and assistants, of the city of New-York,the rector of Trinity Church, the different ministers of the several other protestaht church- es, the president of King's (now Columbia) College and a number of the principal and most respectable inhabitants of the city, were nam- * From the following extract from a medical discourse, delivered by Dr. .Middleton, in King's (now Columbia), College, on the :id of November, 1769, it appears that the first suggestion relative to the establishment of an Hospital, was made by Dr. Bard. "The necessity and usefulness," says Dr Middleton, "of a " public infirmary, has been so warmly and pathetically set forth, in a discourse " delivered by Dr. Samuel Bard, at the commencement, in May last, that his ex- " cellency, Sir Henry Moore, immediately set on foot a subscription for that pur- :' pose, to which himsolf, and mo6tof the gentlemen present literally contributed. " His excellency also recommended it, in the most pressing manner to the assem- " bly of the province, as an object worthy of their attention; and the corpora- " tion of the city have given assurances of granting a very valuable and com- " modious lot of ground for erecting the building upon ; so that there is now. al- '■' most a certain prospect of this benevolent and humane foundation soon taking " place: And as it is to be on the most catholic and unexceptionable plan, it is t<, " be hoped, that it will meet with the countenance and encouragement of every " compassionate and good member of society, whatever party or denominatioc A he may choose to be distinguished by, on other occasions." 4 History of the New-York Hospital. ed as members, and incorporated, by the name of the " Society oi the Hospital in the city of New-York in America,"*. 1 uenty-six governors were also named, for the management of the affairs and bu- siness of the institution, who held their first meeting on the 25th of July, 1771. Through the influence of Dr. John Fothergill, and Sir William Duncan, considerable contributions were made to the Society, by many inhabitants of the city of London, and other places in Great Britain, and in 1772, the Legislature of the province of New-York, granted an annual allowance of 800 pounds, (2,000 dollars) in aid of the institution, for twenty years. In 1773, the governors of the Hospital purchased of Mrs. Barclay, and Mr. Rutgers, five acres of ground, for the erection of a suitable edifice. A plan of a building having been procured by Dr. Jones, the foundation was laid, the 27th of July, 1773; but on the 28th of February, 1775, when it was almost completed, the building accident- ally took fire, and was nearly consumed. By this misfortune, the society suffered a loss of seven thousand pounds; and the execution of their benevolent plan would have been wholly suspended, had not the Legislature, in March, 1775, generously granted them the sum of 4,000 pounds, towards rebuilding the house and repairing the loss they had sustained. But the war between Great Britain and the Colonies, which took place in the same year, prevent- ed the completion of the edifice. During the war, the house was occupied by British and Hessian soldiers, as barracks, and occasion- ally as an Hospital. The effects of the war on the circumstances of our citizens, and the general derangement of affairs, prevented any attention to the institu- tion, and ,t was not until the 3d of January, 1791, that the house was mitLPr°Per °" t0 reCdVe PatiCntS> *hen "ghteen were Id! The annuity granted by the provincial legislature, ceased with th* commencement of hostilities between Great Britain 'and the colonies but the legislature of the state, on the 1st March, 1788, d ected St hundred pounds, during four years, from the'1st F^b uary 1788 o be paid to the Hospital, out of the monies arising from Siie In the city of New-York. And the Lerfslatiir* h„ _ ■™eexase m passedI ,he nth April, .792, f„,'.he ht e*?^V_7SU_* ssrSdTthuusand pwmds ayear> ^S-y^p^oS'S An _____ «"rf"£_J___ ££?»_£ Xt™ was By an act of the Legislature, passed March &th mm *r. poration History of the New-York Hospital. & granted 11th April, 1796, payable out of the same fund. And on the 20th March, 1801, the annual allowance of 12,500 dollars was continued for five years from the first February, 1800 On the 2d March, 1805, an act was passed continuing this sum for five years longer. In consequence of the representation of the governors of the necessity of providing more suitable apartments for lunatics, the le- gislature, on the 14th of March, 1806, passed an act, directing the sum of 12,500 dollars annually to be paid out of the duties on sales at auction, to the treasurer of the hospital, in quarterly payments, until „ the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven; and the act of the 2d March, 1S05, was at the same time repealed. By an act passed the 30th March, 1797, for the establishment and support of a Lazaretto, the masters and wardens of the port of New- York, were authorised to receive of the masters, officers, seamen, and passengers, of every vessel entering the port of New-York, a certain sum for each person, which was directed to be paid to the commission- ers of the health office, for the relief of sick seamen and foreigners admitted into the Lazaretto; and the surplus, if any, was directed to be paid to such seamen and foreigners as might be patients in the Hospital. By an act passed April 1st, 1796, for regulating the port of Nevy- York, the Harbour Master was directed to pay certain fines therein mentioned, to the Treasurer of the New-York Hospital. By an arrangement between the Treasury Department of the Unit- ed States and the Hospital, made in 1799, the sick and disabled sea- men at the port of New-York, are received into the Hospital, and enjoy all its advantages. The Collector of the port, under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, pays out of the Hospital money collected and received by him, three Dollars per week for the board and maintenance of each seaman, including medicine and other charges. But the Collector, since July, 1804", has refused to pay for more than seventy-five seamen at any one time. The Governors, however, con- sidering every seaman who has paid Hospital money to the Collector of the United States, as having a just claim on the government of the United States for Hospital relief, have not hitherto refused admittance to seamen, beyond the number limited; trusting to the justice of the national legislature, for remuneration of the sums expended, in the support of such seamen, beyond the amount received from the Collec- tor.* Without the aid which has thus been afforded to them, many of this useful and meritorious, though careless and improvident class of men, must have been abandoned, in disease and poverty, to the casual and precarious relief of common charity. In 1801, an agreement was made between the New-York Hospital, • The number of seamen who received the benefits of this institution, from the year 1806 to 1819, both inclusive, beyond the number limited by the Collec- tor, was 1649. And the whole charge of their maintenance, at the rate of three Dollars per week, including expense of burials f*c during those 14 years, amounts to #14,077 85, for which sum, uotbing has yet been received by the Hos- pital. 8 History of the New- York Hospital. and the Governors of the Lying-in Hospital, by which the existing funds of the latter were to be paid to the use of the former institution, on condition that a lying-in ward should be established ; and a suita- ble ward for that purpose was accordingly fitted up, and opened for the reception of patients. In consequence of the recommendation of the medical faculty of Columbia College, the Governors of the Hospital, in August, 1796, appropriated the sum of five hundred Dollars towards the purchase of a Medical Library ; to which the members of that faculty contributed books from their private libraries, and part of their fees of public in- struction. An Hospital Library was thus established, which was fur- ther augmented by the purchase of the medical library of the late Dr. Ro- mayne, in 1800, and by the accession, in 1805, of the library of a private association of physicians, under the name of the Medical Society of New-York, who gave their books on condition, that they and such of their sons as should become practitioners of medicine in the city of New-York, should have the free use of the Hospital Library. In 1805, the Governors appropriated the annual sum of two hundred and fifty Dollars, for the purchase of books; and large additions have been made to it, by purchases and donations from time to time, so that, in- cluding the valuable Botauical Library of Dr. Hosack, purchased by the Hospital, the Library now contains about 4,800 volumes, among which are some of the rarest and most valuable works in Medical Science. As there existed no institution in the State, for the reception and cure of Lunatics^ the Governors were induced to appropriate apart- ments in the Hospital for patients of that description; but as the building was not designed for that purpose, the accommodations were found to be extremely inconvenient and inadequate ; and the applica- tions for the admission of lunatics constantly increasing, it was resolv- ed, in 1806, that if the Legislature would lend its aid for that purpose, by further contribution, or by giving greater permanence to the exist- ing allowance, to erect u separate building, to be exclusively appropria- ted to the reception of that unfortunate class of persons. An application was accordingly made to the Legislature, who passed an act, on the 14th March, 1806, continuing the annual provision for the Hospital, payable out of the duties on sales at auction, in the city of New-York, until the year 1857. The Governors immediately pro- ceeded to lay the foundation of the proposed edifice, denominated the " Lunatic Asylum" which was completed, so as to be open for the re- ception of patients on the 15th July, 1808, when nineteen were remo- ved from the other building, and forty-eight more admitted, making the whole sixty-seven. The whole cost of the Asylum was about fifty-six thousand Dollars. To assist the Governors to discharge the debts contracted in building the Asylum, the Legislature, by an act, passed the 23d March, 1810, granted to the Hospital the sum of $3,500 per annum, for ten years, payable quarterly, out of the duties on goods sold at auction, in the city of New-York. But by the fifth section of " the act respecting navl- History of the New-York Hospital 1 fable communication between the great western and northern Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean," passed the 15th April, 1817, the Hospital was deprived of this allowance. The institution is under the management of twenty-six Governors, who meet on the first Tuesday in every month,at the Hospital;—their services are gratuitous. Persons labouring under incurable ailments, or diseases of any kind, are not admitted into the Hospital, being regarded as fitter objects for the Alms House; and because their admission might, after a time, de- feat the very purpose of the institution, which is intended as an infir- mary for the reception and cure of such as require medical or surgical treatment, in common diseases and accidents, the restraint and man- agement requisite for lunacy, and the care, nursing, and attendance necessary for lying-in women. Sick women, who have young children, are not received with their children, unless the child, as well as the mo- ther, is a proper patient. Persons having the small-pox, measles, or any infectious or contagious disease, are not admitted; but they are, sometimes, received as out-patients, and attended by the physicians of the Hospital. Every applicant for admission, must bring with him a recommenda- tion from one of the Governors, or a physician or surgeon of the Hos- pital, except in behalf of lunatics, when the application must be made to the committee of the Lunatic Asylum. In cases of sudden acci- dents, patients may be received by the superintendant, without a re- commendation, until the next meeting of the Visiting Committee, who decide on the propriety of the patient's remaining in the house. A Governor, physician, or surgeon may also give a special recommenda- tion in cases requiring the immediate admission of a patient. A Visiting Committee, consisting of three Governors, attend the Hospital on Tuesday and Friday in every week, at 11 o'clock in the morning, for the purpose of admitting patients, who are previously ex- amined by one of the attending physicians or surgeons, or by the house physician or house surgeon. Such patients as are unable to pay for their board and maintenance are received as paupers, but such as are able to pay, in part or in whole, are admitted as pay-patients, on such terms as may be agreed on by the Visiting Committee, who take secu- rity for the performance. This Committee have the general care and charge of the Hospital, receive all applications or complaints, and direct all the officers and servants in the discharge of their respective duties. There is also an Inspecting Committee, consisting of two Governors, who visit the Hospital at least once a week, to inquire whether the by- laws and regulations relative to the management and economy of the house are duly observed arid carried into effect; and particularly to examine into the conduct of the officers, servants, and nurses, to see that the patients have not been neglected, and to hear their complaints and to report them, with their observations, to the Governors at their next meeting. It is also the duty of the President and Vicp-President of the Hospi- 9 History of the New-York Hospital. tal, to visit and inspect the house once in every month, and to report to the Governors at the ensuing monthly meeting. The Lunatic Asylum is under the immediate charge of a committee of three Governors, annually appointed, who admit and discharge all patients of that description. By an agreement made with the Com- missioners of the Alms House, in the city of New-York, lunatics are received from that charity, at the rate of two Dollars per week, which barely defrays the actual cost of their maintenence, exclusive of medi- cine, clothing, and funeral expenses. By the third section of the act of the Legislature, passed the 24th March, 1807, the overseers of the poor of any city or town, by and with the consent of the common council of such city, or two justices of the peace of the county, in which such town shall be, whenever any poor per- son, legally settled in any such city or town, and maintained at the public charge, and who were or shall become lunatic or insane, may contract with the Governors of the Hospital for the care and maintenance of such lunatic, on such terms as they may deem meet, and transport such lunatic to the Hospital; and the sums agreed on are to be paid to the Hospital, by the overseers ot' such city or town. The Governors have agreed to admit such lunatics from the differ- ent counties, on the same terms, as they are received from the Alms House, in the city of New-York. There are four Physicians and four Surgeons who attend the Hospi- tal. They are selected from the most eminent of the profession, and annually appointed by the Governors. One physician is required to visit every medical patient, afflicted with any acute disease, at least once a day, and oftener, if necessary; and every medical patient with- out distinction, must be visited, at least three times a week. One surgeon must visit the Hospital, at least three times a week, and every surgical patient, once a week, at least. The physicians and surgeons perform these services gratis. The incidental advantages of such an appointment, in regard to their profession, afford them some remune- ration. There are also, a House Physician and a House Surgeon, residing constantly in the Hospital, who are appointed for one year. They are generally young men, and the qualifications required, are, that they shall have attained twenty-one years of age, have been pupils of a practising physician or surgeon for three years, during which time, they must have attended a complete course of lectures in one of the Colleges, have attended the daily practice of the Hospital for one year, and must be examined by the physicians and surgeons, and produce ample testimonials of their good moral character. An Apothecary is also appointed by the Governors, who resides in the Hospital, and who must also be examined and recommended by the physicians and surgeons, and produce satisfactory testimonials of his good character, before he is admitted. He has the charge of the Apothecary's shop, and compounds and makes up all medicines pre- scribed, according to the directions of the physicians and surgeons. The house physician and house surgeon are required to visit the wards. History of the New- York Hospital. 9 at least every morning and evening, and to be prepared to report the state of the patients to the attending physicians and surgeons; and they must see that the medicines prescribed are sent to the patients, and duly administered. The Lunatic Asylum is attended by one phy- srcian, who has the sole charge of the medical treatment of the patients. He is required to visit the Asylum, three times every week, at least, and oftener if necessary. The present physician is Dr. John Neil- son. The Superintendant, who is the steward of the Hospital, and the Matron, are charged with the domestic management and economy of the institution. The ground on which the Hospital stands, is an area, about 455 feet in length, and 440 feet in breadth ; bounding in front, on Broad- way, in the rear on Church-street, northerly on Anthony-street, and southerly on Duane-street. Part of this area, fronting on Broadway, is at present owned and occupied by individuals, leaving an avenue of about 90 feet, leading from Broadway which is planted with a double row of trees. The ground belonging to the Hospital, was inclosed with a brick wall in 1801. The scite of the Hospital is elevated, being considerably above the level of Church-street, and about 600 yards distant from the Hudson river. It is one of the most open and airy situations in the city; and possesses great advantages for the enjoyment of fresh and salubrious breezes. The principal building, denominated the Hospital, is of gray stone, and in the simple Doric style. It extends in front, 124 feet, is 50 feet deep in the centre, and 86 feet deep at the wings, which project on each side. It consists of three stories above the basement; a third story having been added in 1803, when it became necessary to put on a new roof. The height above the ground, is about 52 feet. The basement story, which is about 10 feet high, contains a larger and a smaller kitchen, a laundry, bathing room, three store-rooms, and two wards, fitted up for the temporary accommodation of patients whose particular disease renders it necessary to remove them from inter- course with others. The principal story, is about 14 feet high. Ire the centre is a hall and stair case, a room for the Governors, which contains the library, a parlour and bed-room for the superintendant and matron, an apothecary's shop, and a room for the clerk In each story of each wing, are two wards, 36 feet in lengrn, and 24 feet in breadth, opposite to each other, and opening into passages, extending from one end of the house to the other, and communicating by a stair- case. On the second and third floors of the centre, are rooms for the accommodation of the house physician, house surgeon, apothecary, and different officers and servants; in the second story, on the westerly side, is an apartment established as a lying-in ward; and in the third story, looking to the north-west, is the theatre for surgical operations, fitted up so as to accommodate about two hundred persons. It is well lighted, by a large window in the pediment, which has been substitut- 10 History of 'the New- York Hospital. ed for a sky-light in the roof, by request of the surgeons. This build- ing contains 16 wards, 36 feet long, and 24 feet broad, for the sick, in which about 300 patients may be accommodated. There are 23 other rooms, of different dimensions, besides the lying-in ward and theatre for surgical operations. The edifice is crowned with a handsome cupola, which affords a most extensive and picturesque view of the city, harbour, and adjacent country. There is an excellent kitchen-garden, and the grounds are laid out in walks, planted with fruit and ornamental trees, for the be- nefit of convalescent patients. There is also a large and well-con- structed ice-house, a bathing house, and.convenient stables. The building denominated the Lunatic Asylum, is also of gray stone. It is situated on the southerly side of the ground, at a short distance from the" principal building, and corresponding with it, in its exterior appearance, and style of architecture. Being separate from the other house, the sick are not incommoded by the lunatics, who have separate yards inclosed, one for males, and the other for females, where such as can be trusted at large, are permitted to walk in the open air. This building, on account of the declivity of the ground, has a sub- basement, besides a basement and two principal stories. Its length is 90 feet, it is 40 feet- deep in the centre, and 65 feet at the wings, which project 12^.feet on each side. The sub-basement contains 10 rooms, 11 feet long, and 8£ feet wide, and 9 feet high; 3 rooms, 16£ 1'cet long, and 111 feet, wide, and a kitchen 23£ feet long, and 16£ feet wide. There is a hail running through the centre, from one end to the other, into which the doors of the "rooms or cells open, opposite to the windows. All the rooms or cells, except the four largest, and those in the upper story, are arched with brick, and the walls are also brick, white-washed; so that there is no wood, and the floors being filled with brick, the building is completely fire-proof; and the patients, while they have sufficient heat, in the winter season, cannot possibly set fire to any part ef the building, or injure themselves. The basement sto- ry, contains the same number of rooms, and of the same size with those in the sub-basement. In each of the two principal stories, are also ten rooms, 11 feet long, and 8 J feet wide, two rooms, 17 feet long, and 11 \ feet wide, and two rooms, 24 feet long, and 17 feet wide, which opens into a hall 11 feet wide. The height of the principal story, is 14£, and of the upper story, 12£ feet. There is a yard in- closed, 75 feet in length and 65 feet in breadth, and another between the house and the' street wall on the southerly side, about 200 feet long and 50 broad, in which the patients take the air, and amuse themselves. The height of the building, from the ground, in front, is about 46 feet. It contains sixty rooms of different dimensions, which will con- tain about eighty patients. The apartments are adapted for persons of every condition, the rich and the poor, equally subject to this worst of human miseries, who may be here accommodated j according to their Various circumstances in life. In consequence of a communication made to the Governors, in April, 1815, by Thomas Eddy, stating the advantages that might be History of the New-York Hospital. a produced, by introducing a course of moral treatment, for the lunatic patients, more extensive than had hitherto been practised in this coun- try, and similar to that pursued at " The Retreat," near York, in England; and proposing, that a number of acres of ground, near the city, should be purchased, and suitable buildings erected for the pug^ tt| pose :* a committee was appointed by the Governors, to consider of ^ the plan proposed, and to report their opinion thereon. This com- mittee, having approved of the plan, and recommended its adoption, the Governors resolved to carry it into effect, if they could obtain the aid of the Legislature. Application having been made for that pur- pose, an act was passed the 17th April, 1816, granting to the Hospital, the yearly sum of $10,000, until the year 1857, to enable the Govern- ors to erect further and more extensive accommodations for insane patients. Thirty-nine acres of land, on the Haerlem heights, about seven miles from the city, were accordingly purchased, at $240 per acre, as a sclte for the proposed institution. The distance being thought by some, to be greater than was desirable, twenty acres of ground on the East River, two miles nearer the settled parts of the city, were purchased; but after a more particular examination,-it was found not to be adapted, in all respects, to the plan contemplated ; and it was afterwards sold, at a profit of two thousand Dollars. After again inspecting the different places on York Island, and on the oppo- site side of the East River, which were supposed to afford suitable si- tuations for such an establishment, it was determined, on a comparison of them with the one already purchased at Haerlem, that the latter was, on the whole, preferable. On exploring the ground, however, for the purpose of laying the foundation of the intended building, the soil was discovered to be generally wet, covering a stratum of hard granite, lying about two feet below the surface; it was, therefore, deemed unfit for the purpose. Another piece of ground, not far from the same spot, and nearer to the Hudson, containing about twenty-six acres, fronting on the Bloomingdale road, near the seven mile stone, after being thoroughly explored, was found to be remarkably dry and pleasant, and from its elevated situation, affording an extensive and deliirhtful view of the river, and the adjacent country. This place was purchased at five hundred Dollars per acre, and some small pieces of ground adjoining, have since been added, making the whole quantity 77 acres 2 r. 34p. On this spot, the corner stone of a building for the accommodation of lunatics, was laid, on the 7th day of May, 1818. From the various plans of an edifice, which were laid before them, the Governors selected one that appeared to be the most eligible; but on further consideration, it was laid aside, as being far too expensive, and not perfectly calculated to carry into effect the design of the proposed establishment. At the request of the Governors, several plans were drawn by a member of the board,! one of which, as being the least * The Governors directed a Dumber of copies of this communication to be printed. t Thomas C. Taylor, elected one of the Governors in May, 1817. The Go vernors are greatly indebted to Mr Taylor, for the uncommon zeal he has mani- fested in superintending the work, and in his unremitting and unwearied attention t.o the building, &c. *■., 12 History of the New-York Hospital. costly, and most consonant to their views, was adopted. This plau comprehends a centre building, and is 211 feet in length, and 60 feet deep, with two wings, each placed at the distance of 50 feet from the principal building, and connected with it by a colonade. Each wing to be 194 feet in length, and 50 feet deep. It is at present intended * to finish only the principal centre building, which will accommodate about 200 patients; the wings may be erected at a future time, but they will not be wanted for many years. The main edifice, which is of Newark stone, is so far completed, that it will be ready for the re- ception of patients before the end of the present year, (1820.) The whole amount expended to the year 1820, including the purchase of land, and all the improvements, was $125,198 49. As the annuity granted by the Legislature, if applied only as it might be received, could not have been sufficient, in several years, to defray the expense of the purchase of ground, and the erection of the building, &c. it was thought to be the most economical, and more like- ly to meet the wishes and expectations of the public, to borrow, on the faith of this fund, a sum sufficient to complete the principal building without delay, and pay for the ground purchased; providing, at the same time, for the punctual payment of the interest on the sum bor- rowed and the gradual redemption of the principal. A loan of one hundred thousand Dollars, at six per cent, per annum, was, according- ly, obtained, to be repaid in twenty years, and secured by a mortgage on the .Hospital. Six thousand Dollars of the annuity was appropria- ted to pay the interest on the sum so borrowed, and the remaining four thousand Dollars, was placed in the hands of a committee, for the pur- pose of forming a sinking fund, in order to pay off the principal. This fund amounted, on the 1st January, 1820, to $11,400; and if continued to be managed in the same manner, will be sufficient to pay off the whole debt incurred, in fourteen years ; but a further sum, not exceeding thirty-four thousand dollars, will be requisite for the finishing of the building, erecting the necessary walls, and improving the ground, &c. The delightful situation of this establishment, and the entensive grounds attached to it, will afford ample opportunity to pursue a course ■of moral treatment. Patients may take useful exercise, in horticultu- ral employments, or pleasant walks ; may enjoy various amusements, be agreeably occupied in taking care of domestic birds and animals,, and indulge in such recreations in the open air, as will tend to sooth and divert the mind, to dispel desponding images, and prevent those melancholy musings, which so often cause, and always aggravate men- .tal diseases. Patients of all ranks and conditions in life, will find apart- ments accommodated to their different habits, and the wishes of their friends. The expenses of board, will, of course, be proportioned to the accommodations enjoyed; and there is no doubt, that the income arising from the board of the patients, will be adequate to defray all the current expenses of the establishment. In the asylum attached to the Hospital, in the city, there are now 75 lunatic patients: these, with the number waiting for admission, will History of the New-York Hospital. 13 make at least 100 patients to be received into the new house at Bloom- ingdale, when it shall be opened for that purpose, which will be in May next. A more particular account of this part of the establishment may then be given. It is the only public institution for insane persons in this state; and, it is believed, there is but one other in the United States. It is certain, there is none on a plan so enlarged and liberal. .The benefits of such an establishment as the New-York Hospital and Asylum, are too obvious to every benevolent and reflecting mind, to require the aid of particular description. Notwithstanding the provisions made for the relief of the indigent, in the different towns and counties, and. the numerous charitable associations, public and private, which reflects so much honour on the state, so numerous are the objects which solicit the aid of the benevolent, to mitigate their distress; so various are the accidents of life, and so diversified the forms of human misery that such an institution is indispensable in the great system of public charity. Various causes conspire to render public Hospitals peculiarly necessary in a great city, the capital of a commercial, populous, and flourishing state. It is there, adventurers, and persons from distant countries, resort, to better their fortunes, or to engage in more congenial pursuits. It is the capital which receives most of the emigrants from foreign countries, driven from their homes by poverty, misfortune or crime ; or impelled to seek, in a distant land, a more secure enjoyment of political and religious freedom, or a more advantageous exercise of their various trades and professions. The immense business carried on in such a commercial and growing city, in navigation, ship building, architecture, manufactures, and all the auxiliary arts and trades, while it attracts great numbers from the neighbouring states in search of employment, and the pursuit of gain, must give rise to frequent accidents and diseases, for which many who are destitute of friends or relations, can find no cure or relief but a public hospital. There is another point of view in which this Hospital may also be regarded, as an institution of great public utility. The central posi- tion of this city, in regard to other parts of the United States, and its easy and convenient access, at all seasons, renders it an admirable situa- tion for an establishment of an university of medicine. These natural advantages, though they have not, perhaps, been improved, as they ought to have been by the body of medical professors, have not been wholly overlooked, and the progress now making in the different branches of science, and in collecting the most extensive means of in- struction, bids fair to give the medical school of New- York, a superior- ity over any other in the United States. Founded and supported on the principles of the Christian religion, and general benevolence, without respect to any sects or distinctions, political, civil or religious, all persons whose maladies render them fit objects for such a charity, are considered as equally entitled to the bene- fits of this Hospital. By this humane and useful institution, the rich and the benevolent have it in their power to alleviate the real and unaffected misery of the W History of the New-York Hospital poor, with the pleasing assurance, that while they are indulging the finest feelings of the heart, and fulfiling the great duty of Christianity, their charity will not be abused, nor their bounty misapplied. Indeed^ when the object of this bounty, and the manner in which it is be- stowed, are considered, it must be a consoling reflection, that in no other way could private or public contributions be so efficaciously and beneficially applied, or produce so much real and unmixed good to the community.* * It may not be improper to inform those who may feel disposed to contribute to this institution, by will, that the following is a proper form of a devise for (hat purpose:-//em: I give and bequeath to "the Society of the New-York Hos- pital, the sum of By-laws of the New-York Hospital 15 SECTION II. BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS; Ordained and established by the Governors of the New-York Hospital, for the better government of the Officers, Members, Patients, and Servants of the Hospital. Passed 12th month, (December) 7th, 1819. BE it ordained by the Governors of the Society of the New- York Hospital, and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same, That the following rules and regulations be, and they are hereby es- tablished, as laws and ordinances of the said corporation ; and that all other by-laws-, rules, and regulations heretofore made, be, and the same aVe hereby repealed. CHAPTER I. Of the Election of Governors and Officers. ON the third Tuesday in May, in each year, an election shall be held at the New-York . Hospital,' for twenty-six Governors, at which election, three inspectors, (not being Governors) to be appointed by the Governors, at the stated meeting immediately preceding the elec- tion, or such of them as may attend, shall preside. But in case nei- ther of them should attend, then the members convened shall appoint any two of their niunber to act as inspectors, and preside at the said election. H. The poll of the said election for Governors shall be opened at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, and closed at two o'clock in the after- noon, on the same day : and every member of .this corporation who shall vote at the said election, shall deliver to the inspectors a ballot containing the names of not more than twenty-six persons, as Govern- ors : and the inspectors shall deposit all the ballots so delivered to them, in a box; and shall insert the names of the persons so voting as aforesaid, in a poll list, to be kept by them for that purpose. And so soon as the poll of the said election shall be closed, the inspectors shall open and count the said ballots, and shall openly declare the names of the twenty-six persons who shall be found to have been elected Govern- ors, by the greatest majority of all the votes given; and shall deliver a certificate thereof, under their hands, to the secretary, to be by him laid before the Governors, at their next meeting. HI. In case the election of any of the said Governors shall be de- clared void, such Governor shall be removed from the exercise of his office. And whenever any Governor shall for any reason, be removed, or shall die, or resign, or refuse, or neglect to act in, and execute the 16 By-laws of the New-York Hospital. office for which he is chosen, then a new election shall be holden at the said Hospital, within thirty days after the office shall have become va- cant, as aforesaid, to choose another member of this corporation in the place of the person whose office shall have become vacant, as aforesaid. And the time of such election shall be appointed by the president and any five of the Governors. And the president and the said five Go- vernors shall cause notice of such election to be given in two of the news-papers, printed in the city of New-York, at least seven days be- fore the time fixed for the same. And if the office of president shall be vacant, or in case of his absence or sickness, then the vice-president shall perform the duties above assigned to the president. IV. The treasurer and secretary for the time being, or (in their ab- sence) any two of the members of the corporation, to be nominated by those present, shall be inspectors of every such extraordinary election, and the same shall be conducted, as near as may be, in like manner as the elections herein before mentioned ; and a simalar poll list and cer- tificate shall be made by the inspectors, and delivered to the secretary, previous to the next monthly meeting of the Governors. V. At the first meeting of Governors, after every annual election, there shall be chosen by ballot, by the majority of the Governors pre- sent, one president, one vice-president, one treasurer, and one secre- tary. CHAPTER II. Of the Oath or Affirmation to be taken by tJie Officers of this ■ Corporation. I-. The president and vice-president, for the time being, and the president and vice-president, of the preceding year shall respectively have power to administer to each of the officers mentioned in the next section, an oath or affirmation of the tenor following, viz. " I do swear, (or affirm) that I will faithfully and duly execute the office of of the Society of the New-York Hospital, according to the best of my ability." IT. Every president, vice-president, governor, treasurer, assistant- treasurer, and secretary, shall take the said oath or affirmation, before he acts in his office. CHAPTER III. Of the President and Vice-President. I. The president may call a meeting of the governors, whenever he shall think necessary, and may appoint the time and place of such meeting, (provided the latter shall be in the city of New-York) giving, at least, one day's notice thereof. II. The president shall preside at all meetings of the governors, By-laws of the New- York Hospital 17 and shall preserve order therein ; he shall nominate all committees, except such as shall be chosen by ballot. III. When the office of president shall be vacant, or when the pre- sident shall be absent, the vice-president shall succeed to all his rights and duties. IV. The president and vice-president shall visit the hospital and asylum, at least once in every month, to inspect the general state of the institution, and shall report their observations thereon to the next monthly meeting of the governors. CHAPTER IV. Of the Governors. I. A monthly meeting 01 the governors shall be held in the govern- ors' room, at the hospital, on the first Tuesday in every month, at four o'clock in the afternoon. II. Seven governors, including the president or vice-president, shall be a quorum for transacting all business, except the alienating any of the real or personal estate of the corporation, or the leasing any of the real or mixed estate thereof, for a longer term than one year, or for the suspending or discharging an officer, physician, or surgeon, for which purposes the consent of a majority of all the governors shall be ne- cessary. HI. The" governors shall annually appoint, by ballot, four physicians and four surgeons to the hospital, and also a physician to have the sole care of the lunatics in the asylum, who shall receive commissions under the seal of the corporation : and every physician and surgeon, hereaf- ter to be appointed, shall hold his office until the first stated monthly meeting of the governors, to be held after the next ensuing annual election, or, unless re-elected, until another is appointed in his stead. But no person shall be appointed physician or surgeon, unless he shall have been nominated to that place, at a previous monthly meeting. IV. If any officer, physician, or surgeon, shall become unfit to exe- cute his office, or shall misdemean himself in his office, contrary to any of the by-laws of this corporation, or refuse or neglect to execute the same, the visiting committee, or any member of the corporation may. exhibit against him a complaint in writing to the governors, at a legal meeting; and thereupon a notice of the said complaint shall be given to the person complained of, and a time shall be appointed (not less than six days after service of the said notice) for the person complain- ed of to make his defence before the governors: and the governors having examined into the truth of the complaint, and heard the defence of the party accused, if any shall be made, may with the concurrence and approbation of a majority of the whole number of governors, up- on such examination, and due proof, suspend or discharge the officer, physician, or surgeon, complained of as aforesaid. 1 V. At the monthly meeting in June, in each year, the governors shall appoint a superintendant. or steicard, matron, apothecary, clerk, and IS By-laws of the New-York Hospital librarian, for the hospital, who shall hold their offices during the plea- sure of the governors; a committee of repairs, a committee of the asylum, and a committee of the sinking fund; and also a person or persons, to be chosen by ballot, to supply the hospital with medicines. VI. At the same monthly meeting of the governors, a committee shall be appointed, to be denominated the " Library Committee," to consist of two of the physicians or surgeons of tire hospital, and two of the governors, whose duty it shall be to purchase books, and to take the general care and superintendance of the library. VII. There shall be a visiting committee, to consist of three go- vernors, to serve three months, one of them to be appointed at each monthly meeting.—There shall also be an inspecting committee to consist of two governors, to serve two months, one of them to be ap- pointed at each monthly meeting. VIII. At the monthly meeting, in December, in each year, a com- mittee shall be appointed to audit the accounts of the hospital, and to make an inventory of all the real and personal estate belonging to the corporation, a schedule of all the deeds, bonds, &c. in the custody of the treasurer, and a general statement of the accounts; which inven-* tory, schedule, and statement, shall be made up and produced by them. at the next monthly meeting, or the one following: and another com- mittee shall also be appointed to draft the annual report of the state of the hospital to be laid before the legislature. This draft shall be pre- sented to the governors at their next monthly meeting. One physician and one surgeon shall also be appointed to prepare a table of the dis- eases of the patients in the hospital during the year. IX. Every committee, whether standing or special, shall report in writing, upon every subject referred to them. X. At each monthly meeting, the minutes of the visiting commit- tee, of the inspecting committee, and the asylum committee shall be produced, that the governors may be informed of their proceedings. XI. The governors' room shall be kept solely for the use of the go- vernors, and no other person (except the librarian when necessarily employed in the library) is permitted to use it, without the permission of the visiting committee. XII. The committee of the sinking fund, to be directed at the month- ly meeting in December, to report to the following monthly meeting, a state of the said fund. CHAPTER V. Of the Election of Members. I. Whenever a governor shall propose a person to be elected a mem- ber of this corporation, he shall be balloted for at a monthly meeting of the governors; and if there shall be a majority of votes in his favour. he shall be duly elected. II. If the person so elected, shall at any time previous to his elec- tion, have vpaid into the treasury the sum of forty dollars, he shall, im By-laws of the New-York Hospital. 19 mediately upon his election, be admitted a member of the corporation, and shall receive from the secretary a certificate of such admission, un- der the common seal. But if such payment has not been made, then the member elect, shall within three months after his election, pay the said sum of forty dollars to the treasurer: and upon the governors be- ing informed that such payment hath been made, they shall order him to be admitted, and he shall receive a certificate, as aforesaid. And unless such payment shall be riiade within the said three months, the election of the person so making default, shall be void: but the governors may in any particular instance in their discretion, dispense with such payment, and order the member elect to be admitted imme- diately. No person hereafter elected shall be deemed a member of this corporation, until he shall be admitted as aforesaid. CHAPTER VI. Of the Treasurer. I. The treasurer shall give security, to be approved by the govern- ers, for the faithful performance of his trust. II. He shall have the custody of all bonds, title deeds, and other papers and documents relating to the property of the corporation. III. He shall open an account with one of the banks in the city of New-York, in the name of this corporation; and he shall deposit all monies, immediately upon his receiving them, in such bank. IV. He shall keep a book containing blank checks ; and in drawing for money he shall use the said checks, and insert in the margin oppo- site to them respectively, their amount and dates, and the names of the persons to whom they are payable, and on what account. V. He shall cause a book to be kept, at the hospital, by the clerk, for the sole purpose of keeping an account with the bank; and he shall cause the clerk to enter in such book, all deposits made, and checks drawn, with their amounts, dates, and the names of the persons to whom they are payable. VI. The treasurer shall, from time to time, pay such sums as he shall think necessary to defray the expenses of the superintendant's department. VH. The treasurer shall pay no other monies, without a written or- der from the visiting committee, or from the committee of repairs, for expenditures in their department. ( VIII. The treasurer shall cause to be kept at the hospital, a journal -and a ledger, in which shall be contained an account of receipts, an account of expenditures, an account with the bank, an account with the superintendant, and such other accounts as may be necessary. 20 By-laws of the New-York Hospital. CHAPTER VII. Of the Assistant Treasurer. I. The assistant treasurer shall give^ecurity, to be approved by the governors, for the faithful performance of his trust. It shall be his du- ty to keep all the books of accounts of the new asylum, and to receive and pay all monies received or expended on account of that institution. II He shall open an account with one of the banks in the city of New-York, in the name of this corporation, and shall deposit all mo- nies, immediately upon receiving them, in such bank. CHAPTER VIII. Of the Secretary. I. The secretary shall have the custody of the seal of the corpora- tion. II. He shall attend the meetings of the society and of the governors, and take minutes of the proceedings of each meeting, and see that the clerk transcribes them into a book provided for that purpose. HI. Immediately after the election of governors and othei* officers, he shall give notice to the different persons elected. IV On the day preceding every meeting, stated or special, he shall send notice of the time and place of such meeting to each of the go- vernors V. At every meeting he shall read the minutes of the preceding meeting at length. VI. He shall cause the reports to the legislature, and the annual State of the hospital, to be regularly entered upon the minutes. VII. He shall furnish certificates to the members of the corporation in the manner prescribed by the by-laws. CHAPTER IX. Of the Visiting Committee. I. The visiting committee shall meet twice in every week, at the hospital. If any member of the committee should be unable to at- tend, he shall procure some other governor to attend in his stead. II. They shall receive or reject applicants for admission, as in their discretion they shall think adviseable, having regard to the existing circumstances of the hospital; but they shall admit no person without a previous examination by one of the physicians and surgeons, or by the house-physician, or house-surgeon. III. They shall also determine whether the applicant shall be re- ceived as a pauper or pay patient, and in the latter case, they shall agree upon the price to be paid weekly, and take such security, as they By-laws of the New-York Hospital 21 may deem requisite; but this and the last preceding article shall not apply to the admission of patients in the lunatic asylum, which is solely entrusted to the asylum committee. IV. They shall carefully enquire of every pauner, previous to ad- mittance, whether he has arrived at this port within two years; and if that shall appear to be the fact, they shall make a minute thereof in their book, and direct the clerk to enter the name of such pauper, in the book, as an emigrant, and to inquire of the superintendant of the alms-house, the na ;e of the owner of the vessel in which the pauper has arrived, or of his security, which shall be entered on the admission- book, in order that payment may be obtained on the bond given to the corporation of the city of New-York, pursuant to the laws of the state. V. They shall keep a book of minutes, and enter therein the names of all patients received or discharged, and of such other business as comes before them; which book must be laid before the governors, at every monthly meeting. VI. They shall give such orders and establish such regulations as they shall think proper, to carry into effect the objects of this institu- tion : provided such orders and regulations are not inconsistent with the charter and by-laws. VII. On every visiting day, they shall enquire of the physicians and surgeons, or in their absence, of the house-physician, or house- surgeon, whether any of the pauper patients are incurable, or in a con- dition to leave the hospital; and shall direct all such to be discharged, so that no improper objects be permitted to remain. VIII. The committee may direct the superintendant to give some relief, in money or clothes, to patients, who, from extreme poverty, or circumstances of peculiar distress, may need such aid at the time of their discharge. But they are to exercise great caution in affording such assistance, lest it should encourage improper or too frequent ap- plications. IX. [f any patient shall go out, without leave, be guilty of drunk- enness, profane swearin-.', or otherwise misbehave, the committee may, at their discretion, discharge him. X. They shall take care that the patients in each ward are sup- plied with bibles, and such other religious books, as they may think useful. XI. They shall have the general charge and care of the property of the hospital; and shall frequently i-uinind the superintendant and other officers of the house, of the necessity of attention, economy, cleanliness, and good conduct in the discharge of their several duties. XII. Whenever they may think it necessary that a special meeting of the governors should be called, they shall apply for that purpose to the president, or in his absence, to the vice-president. XIII. In case the house-physician, house-surgeon, or apothecary, shall neglect any of the duties prescribed to him, or refuse to comply with any reasonable request of the superintendant, the visiting com- mittee may suspend the offender, and report the case to the next monthly meeting of the governors; and the vacancy shall be supplied by such person as the committee may appoint. 22 ■ By-laws-of the New-York Hospitai. XIV. The committee shall on each visiting day, insert in a book kept for that purpose, the times of their own attendance, and of that of the physicians and surgeons. CHAPTER X. Of the Inspecting Committee. I. It shall be the duty of the inspecting committee to inquire whether the by-laws, and regulations of the governors relative to the management and economy of the house, are carried into effect. II. They shall visit the wards and cells in each house, at least once a week, enquire into the behaviour of the superintendant, matron and nurses, toward the patient; examine particularly, whether economy be observed; and as to the cleanliness of the halls, wards, apartments, and beds; whether the floors are frequently washed, and the walls white-washed; whether the bread and other provisions are of good quality; whether the patients are allowed a sufficient quantityj whether they are regularly attended by the physicians and surgeons, and whether the apothecary's shop is kept neat and in good order. They are also to inquire whether any improvements can be made for the greater comfort of the patients. III. Once in every month, they shall invite the attending physician and surgeon to accompany them in visiting the wards, and in inspect- ing the apothecary's shop, the surgical instruments, and electrical ap- paratus, &c. IV. They shall enquire particularly whether the wards are properly ventilated, so that they be supplied with pure and wholesome air, and shall prohibit the patients from using the fires or stoves in their wards for culinary purposes. V. At least once in each month, they shall examine the house- physician and house-surgeon, as to the performance of their respective duties, and as to the daily attendance and behaviour of the pupils in- tended as candidates for the offices of house-physician and house- surgeon. VI. They shall keep a book of minutes, and enter therein their pro- ceedings and observations, relative to all the objects of their appoint- ment, which book shall be laid before the governors, at every monthly meeting. CHAPTER XI. Committee of Repairs. I. The committee of repairs shall have the general superintendance of the buildings, and other improvements belonging to this corporation $ and it shall be their duty to see that all such repairs or alterations as may be directed by the governors, be faithfully and economically executed. II. They shall report in writing upon every subject referred to them by the board of governors. By-laws of the New-York Hospital. 23 CHAPTER XII. Of the Physicians and Surgeons. I. The physicians and surgeons shall make such arrangement among themselves, that the hospital may be attended in the manner herein- after directed. II. One physician shall visit every medical patient who may be afflicted with an acute disease, at least once every day, and oftener if necessary; and every medical patient in the hospital, without excep- tion, twice in every week. III. At such visits, the attending physician shall enquire, whether his directions and prescriptions have been carefully observed. He shall attend to the neatness and ventilation of the wards, and give such directions on those subjects, as may be necessary, to the superintendant. He shall direct the house-physician to report to the superintendant such patients as are in a proper condition to leave the hospital. IV. One surgeon shall visit the hospital, at least, three times a week, and oftener when necessary, and every surgical patient, without exception, at least once a week. At such visits, he shall attend to the neatness and ventilation of the surgical wards, and give such direc- tions on those subjects, as may be necessary, to the superintendant, and he shall direct the house-surgeon to report to the superintendant such surgical patients, as may be in a proper condition to leave the hospital. V. The times of their attendance shall be so fixed by the physi- cians and surgeons, as not to interfere with each other, and so that the students who attend the practice of the house, may accompany them in their visits to the patients. VI. If any physician or surgeon shall be prevented fiom attending in his turn, he shall procure some other belonging to the hospital, to attend in his stead. VII. The attending physician and surgeon shall be present at the regular meetings of the visiting committee, to confer with them on the management of the house, and to examine applicants for admission. VIII. No capital operation, except in cases of immediate danger, shall be performed, without the previous approbation of at least two surgeons, nor without inviting all the physicians and surgeons belong- ing to the hospital, to be present at the operation. IX. No drugs or medicines shall be purchased without a written order, entered by the attending physician or surgeon, or physician of the asylum, in a.pass-book kept for that purpose. X. The attending physician and surgeon shall, on the first Monday in every month, inspect the apothecary's shop, and see that it is kept in proper order, and that good medicines are regularly supplied, and _hall report all neglects and improprieties on these subjects, whether in the persons furnishing the medicines, or in the apothecary, to the governors, at their next monthly meeting. XI. Each of the attending physicians and surgeons shall repor* 24 By-laws of the New- York Hospital in writing to the governors, after his tour of attendance is completed) the general condition of the hospital during that period: and this re- port shall state, whether the nurses have treated the sick with human- ity, and shall contain such suggestions and remarks as shall appear to him to be useful. XII. At the close of every year, a table of the diseases of the pa- tients in the hospital, including the lying-in ward, and asylum, during the year then expired, shall be made out and duly arranged, in order that the same may be published with the general account of the state of the hospital, which table shall be prepared by one physician and one surgeon, to be appointed for that purpose by the governors. XIII. Two of the physicians and two of the surgeons of the hospi- tal, to be named by the governors, may give clinical lectures in the hospital. But the governors may withdraw this permission whenever the interest of the institution shall in their opinion require it. XIV. The physicians and surgeons may recommend persons to be admitted as patients, in like manner as the governors. CHAPTER XIII. Of the House-Physician and House-Surgeon. I. No person shall be appointed to the office of house-physician or house-surgeon, until he shall have obtained the age of twenty-one years; nor until he shall have laid before the governors, satisfactory testimonials of his good moral character, and also a certificate in the following form : " We do hereby certify, that A. B. hath been a private pupil of " C. D. a practising physician, (or surgeon as the case may be for the " space of three years, during which time he has attended the daily " practice of the New-York Hospital for one year, and has attended " one complete course of medical lectures in College. tl And we do further certify that on the day of il at a meeting held at the New-York Hospital, to u which all the physicians (or surgeons, as the case may be) of the " said hospital were invited, and at which we were all present, we did " examine the said A. B—That we believe him to possess skill and " ability to execute the office of house-physician, (or surgeon, as the " case may be) and we do recommend him to the governors for the " said office." Which certificate shall be signed by, at least, three physicians of the hospital, if the candidate is recommended for the office of house-physician, and by, at least, two surgeons of the hospi- tal, if he is recommended for the office of house-surgeon. II. Such pupils, as intend to be candidates for the said offices, must attend daily, at the same hours with the attending physician and sur- geon ; and must be present at all operations performed by the surgeons : and shall be considered as assistants to the house-physician and house- surgeon. By-laws of the New- York Hospital 25 III. The house-physician and house-surgeon shall visit the wards once, at least, every morning and evening ; and be prepared to report a state of the patients to the visiting physicians and surgeons. They shall see that the medicines sent to the sick are regularly taken, and that they are administered with care and neatness, and without delay. IV. No medicines, wine, or spirits shall be prescribed or adminis- tered to the patients, nor any surgical operation performed, (except in cases of emergency) without the special direction of the attending physicians or surgeons ; to whom such cases, when they occur, shall be immediately reported. V. In any medical or surgical case of emergency, the house-physi- cian and house-surgeon shall request the immediate attendance of the attending physician or surgeon, and if he cannot be found, of any other of the physicians or surgeons of the hospital. VI. They shall not remove patients from one ward into another, without the approbation of the superintendant. VII. It shall be their duty to report the disease, of which any pa- tient dies, to the clerk, in order that the register may be regularly kept. VIII. They shall report, in writing, to the superintendant, such pa- tients as may, under special circumstances, have been received, during his absence, that he may lay the same before the visiting committee, at their next meeting. IX. Neither the house-physician nor house-surgeon shall discharge a patient; this being the exclusive duty of the superintendant. X. They shall not be absent at the usual hours of attendance of the physicians and surgeons, and whenever either of them goes out, he shall leave notice with the superintendant or matron, where he may be found; and in no case shall both of them be absent at the same time, except in attending the regular medical and surgical lectures given in this ci- ty, and for which purpose, permission must first be obtained from the board of governors. They must be in the hospital, at a seasonable hour in the evening, and never sleep out of the house. XL They shall not engage in any other business than that of the hos- pital ; nor shall they practice out of it, except that, with the approba- tion of the visiting committee, they may attend such out-door patients, as are under the care of the hospital. XII. It shall be the particular duty of the house-physician to keep the electrical and galvanic apparatus always in perfect order, and faithfully to apply them when directed. XIII. The house-surgeon shall have charge of all surgical instru- ments belonging to the house, and shall be responsible for them and for their good order. He shall keep an account of them, stating when, and from whom they were received, and their prices ; and shall never suffer them to be lent or used out of the house. XIV. It shall be the particular duty of the house-physician or house- surgeon, (as the case may be, niedical or surgical] to attend to the faith- ful application of the baths, at the temperature, and in the manner pre - scribed by the attending physician or surgeon. 4 .20 By-laws of the New-York Hospital. XV. The house-physician, with the aid of his assistant, under in- direction of the attending physician, shall keep a register of all medi- cal cases which occur in the hospital, and which the latter shall think worthy of preservation, which book shall be neatly bound, and kept in the library for the inspection of the friends of the patients, the govern- ors, physicians and surgeons, and the students attending the hospital. In this register shall be entered the name, age, and occupation of each patient, the probable cause and history of his disease, the remedies used before and after his admission, the name of the attending physi- cian or surgeon, his daily reports on the case, the termination of the disease, either in recovery, relief, or death, and such other circumstan- ces as may tend to illustrate the case, and the nature of the disease. XVI. The house-surgeon, with the aid of his assistant, under the di- rection of the attending surgeon, shall keep a similar register of chi- rurgical cases, and shall record all operations therein. CHAPTER XIV. Of Students, admitted to see the Practise of the House. I. Any student of medicine, upon paying to the treasarer ten dollars, may receive a ticket entitling him to visit and see the practise of the house, for one year, subject to the regulations of the hospital. II. Any student of medicine, upon paying the sum of two dollars and fifty cents, shall be entitled to the use of the library, for one year, subject to the regulations of the hospital for the time being. III. Three students of each of the physicians and surgeons of the hospital, shall be entitled to receive from the treasurer, gratis, a ticket admitting him to see the practise of the house, and to the use of the library, for one year, on his producing to the treasurer a certificate from the physician or surgeon, stating that the student is regularly entered with him as a student for at least two years. IV. No student shall be entitled to visit the lunatic asylum, without leave from the physician of the asylum, or one of the asylum committee. V. No student shall be entitled to attend the hospital, except at the hours of prescription or operation. Every student shall produce his ticket to the porter, at the gate, and shall behave respectfully to the superintendant and matron, and with decency and propriety to the patients. And if any student shall infringe any of the regulations of the hospital, or be guilty of profane swearing, indecent or improper i-onduct, it shall be the duty of the superintendant to report him to the visiting committee, who may give orders to exclude him, in future, iVom the hospital. And that he may be informed of the regulations to which he is subject, every student shall l.v furnished by the treasu- rer with a copy of this bv-huv. By-laws of the New-York Hospital. 2? CHAPTER XV. Of the Apothecary. I. The apothecary shall compound and make up all medicines pre. scribed, agreeably to the formulae from time to time directed by the physicians and surgeons of the hospital. He shall deliver no medicines which are not ordered by the attending physicians or surgeons, and shall permit no medicines to be carried out of the house, except to out- door patients. He shall put up the medicines intended for each ward separately, and shall annex to them labels, containing the names of the patients for whom they are respectively prescribed ; and, when neces- sary, directions for taking them. And he shall send them to each ward by the orderly man, to be by him distributed to the patients. II. He shall regularly attend the shop, and never be absent, without the superintendant's permission. He shall keep the shop, and every thing appertaining to it, clean and in perfect order. He shall carefully observe economy in every thing relating to his department; be parti- cularly prudent and careful in the delivery of medicines, and permit no patient to enter the shop unnecessarily. HI. He shall cause all articles purchased for his department, to be immediately entered, by the persons of whom they are purchased in a pass-book provided for that purpose, with the date, quantity, kind and price of the articles. IV. He shall keep a book, in which the attending physician or sur- geon shall enter his directions for the purchase of medicines, &c. with the date and quantity to be purchased, and signed with the initials of his name. And the apothecary shall purchase of the persons appoint- ed for that purpose by the governors, and of none other, the articles so ordered ; but he is strictly forbidden to purchase any thing, except in pursuance of such directions previously entered as aforesaid. V. No person shall be appointed apothecary, unless he is twenty-one years of age, nor until he has produced sufficient testimonials of his good moral character, and has obtained a certificate, signed by at least two physicians and two surgeons of the hospital, in the following form : " We do hereby certify, that at a meeting, held at the New-York Hos- ': pital, on the day of 18 to which all the " physicians and surgeons of the said hospital were invited, and at '•' which we were all present, we did examine A. B., and did find him :; competent to execute with propriety, the office of apothecary of the " said hospital. And we do recommend him to the governors for that i; office." VI. The apothecary shall give a bond, in the penalty of two hun- dred and fifty dollars, for the faithful performance of the duties of his office, and that he will not cease to perform the duties of his office* without giving two months notice of his intention to leave his employ* ifi^nt, 29 By-laws of the New-York Hospital CHAPTER XVI. Of the Superintendant or Steward. I. The superintendant shall be the steward of the hospital. He shall have the general charge of the hospital with the lunatic asylum; and see that the regulations of the governors, and the directions of the visiting committee are carried into effect. II. He shall purchase, under the direction of the visiting committee or treasurer, fuel, provisions, and all other stores, for the use of the hospital, except medicines. HI. He shall keep, under his key, all wines, spirits, sugar, molasses, unmade linen, and blanketing, and all other stores and necessaries. IV. He shall see that the outer-gates are locked, at a seasonable hour every evening. V. He shall suffer no patient to go out of the house, without his spe- cial permission. VI. He shall visit every ward, at least, once a day, and oftener, if necessary. VII. He shall have power to hire and dismiss all the nurses and ser- vants employed in or about the hospital; subject, however, to such or- ders as the visiting committee shall think proper to give. And it shall be his duty to discharge all such of them as shall be guilty of profane swearing, drunkenness, bringing spirituous liquors clandestinely into fhe house, or other gross misconduct. And he is to report his pro- ceedings on all these subjects to the visiting committee. VIII. He shall take particular care that no wine or spirits are used in the hospital, except by the direction of the physicians or surgeons, for the use of the patients. IX. He shall cause the hospital to be completely white-washed every spring and autumn ; and the walls of every ward to be white-washed four feet upwards from the floor, once in winter ; and at least once in July, and in each of the two succeeding months. X. He shall appoint in each ward one of the most discreet patients to read the Bible to the other patients, and he shall see that it is read conformably to the regulations respecting patients ; and where any pa- tient is dangerously ill, he shall inquire of him, whether he is desirous to converse with any religious person ; and shall invite the person de- sired by the patient to attend; and while such person is present, shall see that the other patients in the ward, behave with decorum. XI. When a patient is discharged, the superintendant shall cause his name to be entered in the book provided for that purpose, mentioning him as cured, relieved, incurable, eloped, or disorderly. XII. On the decease of a patient, the superintendant shall cause his fiame, and the time of his decease to be entered in the register, the body to be conveyed, as soon as conveniently may be, to the dead-house, and there safely kept, until delivered to the hearse, or to the friends of the deceased, for interment; and he shall be particularly responsible for the execution of this duty. By-laws of the New-York Hospital iff XIII. If the house-physician, house-surgeon, clerk, apothecary, stu- dents attending the house, or other persons belonging to it, shall use profane language, disregard the by-laws and regulations, or otherwise misbehave, it shall be the duty of the superintendant to report the of- fenders, in writing, to the visiting committee. ** XIV. When a patient dies, leaving clothes, or other articles of value, the superintendant shall report the same to the visiting committee, who shall make a minute of such report in their book, and give him the ne- cessary directions. CHAPTER XVII. Of the Matron. I. The matron shall visit the wards in the house and asylum, every day, and see that they are properly attended by the nurses. II. She shall oversee all the female patients and servants, and take care that the wards, apartments, beds, clothes, linen, and other things are kept clean. All the patients, nurses, and servants, must be obedi- ent and submissive to her. IH. The female nurses must not be absent without leave of the matron. IV. She must take care of all the household goods and furniture, CHAPTER XVIII. Of the Clerk. 1. It shall be the duty of the clerk, on the day following each meet- ing of the governors, to enter in their journal, a fair copy of the mi- nutes taken by the secretary, together with such reports and other pa- pers, as the secretary shall direct. II. He shall furnish the chairman of every committee appointed by the governors, with a copy of the minute relating to their appointment, and he shall notify every person appointed on each of the standing committees, of their appointment. IH. He shall enter in the book for recording ordinances, all by-laws that may, from time to time, be passed by the governors; aud such en- try shall be made by him immediate!} af'er the passing of said by-law. He shall also enter in the book for recording ordinances, all orders en- joining special duties to be performed by any of the standing commit- tees, or by any of the officers or servants of the hospital, which orders must be recorded in a part of said book separate from the by-laws. IV. He shall transcribe, under the direction of the secretary, such minutes of the governors, as may relate to the visiting committee, into their book of minutes, and he shall copy all minutes*of that committee on the day of their meeting; and shall enter in the register, kept for that purpose, the admissions and discharges of patients, immediately after they have been received or discharged; and enter such medical 30 By-laws of the New-York Hospital or surgical cases in the registers kept in the house and asylum, as may be required. V. He shall keep the books of accounts, and collect all monies due from pay-patients, in such manner as the treasurer may direct. VI. He shall," every three months, furnish the secretary with the names of such seamen as die in the hospital, to the end that they may be published. VII. He shall lay on the table, in the governors' room, at every monthly meeting, the following books, viz. the Journal or Minutes of the Governors; the Minutes of the Visiting Committee; the Minutes of the Inspecting Committee; the Minutes of the Asylum Committee; the Book of By-laws; the Book containing the orders of the Attend- ing Physician or Surgeon ; the Book containing the Minutes of the at- tendance of the Visiting Committee and of the Physicians and Sur- geons ; the Book in which is entered the Medicines purchased for tha- Hospital; the Bank Book, and the Ledger. CHAPTER XIX. Of the Orderly-Man. The visiting committee shall appoint an orderly-man, who shall as- sist in the apothecary's shop, in all things appertaining to that depart- ment. When not occupied in the apothecary's department, he shall perform any services for the benefit of the hospital, required of him by the superintendant, house-physician, and house-surgeon. CHAPTER XX. Of the Patients. I. No patient shall leave the house, unless by permission of the su- perintendant ; nor play at any game of hazard within the hospital; nor introduce any spirituous liquors into the house. II. No patient shall enter the kitchen, or any of the servants' apart- ments, under any pretence whatever, except by order of the superin- tendant or matron. HI. No male patient shall go into the womens' apartments, or wards, aor any female patient into those of the men. IV. No patient shall smoke tobacco in the house, except with the consent of the attending physician or surgeon, V. Such patients as, in the opinion of the attending physician or surgeon, are able, shall assist in nursing others, washing and ironing the linen, washing and cleaning the rooms, and in such other services, as the superintendant or matron may require. VI. On Sunday, at ten o'clock in the morning, and at three in the afternoon, a patient in each ward (to be appointed by the superinten- dant) shall read some chapters in the Bible to the patients, who are to By-laws of the New-York Hospital 31 attend thereto with decency and sobriety; and it is also recommended to the patients, as often as circumstances will permit, to read the holy scriptures themselves, on other days of the*eek. VII. If any patient shall not conform to the foregoing regulations; or shall use profane or indecent language, or get drunk, or behave rudely, or indecently, the superintendant shall make report thereof to the visi- ting committee; who may discharge such patient; or, with the con- sent of a governor, the superintendant may immediately discharge him. VIII. No officer or servant of this institution, shall accept any gift or bequest from any patient, except with the approbation of the visit- ing committee. CHAPTER XXI. Of the Admission of Patients. I. Any governor, physician, or surgeon of the hospital may recom- mend patients to be admitted, but the visiting committee may refuse or admit patients so recommended, at their discretion. II. In any extraordinary or pressing case, where great inconveni- ence would result from waiting for the approbation of the visiting com- mittee, any governor, physician, or surgeon of the hospital, may direct the superintendant to receive a patient immediately. And in case of sudden accidents, the superintendant may receive patients without a recommendation. But the superintendant must give early information of every such case to the visiting committee, who, may permit the pa- tient to remain in the house, or not, as shall appear to them discreet and proper. III. When the patient's case requires immediate admittance, the go- vernor, physician, or surgeon recommending him, is to add to his re- commendation the following directions : " The superintendant is des"- red to receive the person above recommended, until the visiting com- mittee attend." IV. Inhabitants of the state, not resident in the city of New-York, to be admitted into the hospital, must be recommended by a justice of the peace, and at least one overseer of the poor of the town in which they reside; and they must bring with them cases of their diseases drawn up by a physician or surgeon. V. No persons shall be admitted whose cases are judged to be incu- rable", nor any whose cases do not require the particular benefits of an hospital; nor shall any who have the small-pox, or measles, be receh ed into the house. VI. Young children shall not be received with their mothers, unless such children are also patients. VII. Patients unable to pay for their board and maintenance, may be received, as paupers; but such as are able to pay for the same, in pari; or in whole, shall be received as pay-patients, on such terms as may be agreed on by the visiting committee, who are to take sufficient security fbr their performance. .32 By-laios of the New-York Hospital. VIII. The applicants must attend at the hospital, on a Tuesday or Friday, in order to be examined by the attending physician or surgeon. Form of Recommendation. New-York, day of one thousand eight hundred I recommend to be admitted into the New-York Hospital if shall appear to you a proper ob- ject, after having been examined by the physicians or surgeons. To the visiting committee of the New-York Hospital. Form of Security for Pay Patients. being admitted a patient in the New-York Hos- pital, at my request, I, A. B. residing at No. in street, do hereby promise to provide with sufficient clothing while there ; to pay to the Treasurer of the said Hospital per week for board, during continuance there, to cause to be removed when discharged, and to pay the expense ol burial, if die there. Witness my hand the day of 18 IX. Nothing in this chapter shall apply to the admission of lunatic patients. CHAPTER XXII. Of the Lying-in Ward. I. Any governor, physician or surgeon of the hospital, and any subscriber to the lying-in hospital, may recommend patients to this ward, who shall be received or refused admission, in like manner as prescribed for other patients. II. When an unmarried patient is admitted) particular care must be taken by the visiting committee, that security is given for her main- fainance, or that application be made to the proper magistrates to ob- ftiin payment for the same. III. Every pay-patient admitted into the ward, shall pay to the su- perintendant, in advance, such sum as the visiting committee shall direct, or else shall give security for the payment of it, according to the following form: " A. B. being admitted into the lying-in ward of the New-York • Hospital at my request, I, C. D. do hereby promise to provide her -' with clothing sufficient for her, and her child's use while there; to - pay to the treasurer of the said hospital dollars per week, ■'; for her board during her continuance there, and in case of her, or • her child's death, to pay the funeral charges." IV. No infant shall be permitted to be taken from the hospital with: out being previously vacinnafed. By-laws of the New-York Hospial 33 V. No patient shall remain in the ward more than four weeks, after her delivery, but in cases of emergency. VI. Such patients as are able, shall assist in nursing others; in washing and cleaning rooms; and in such other services as the matron or nurse shall require. VII. The nurse of the lying-in ward shall take the utmost care to preserve cleanliness and decency. VIII. She shall be present at every delivery, and have in readiness every thing necessary for the comfort of the mother and child. IX. The house-physician and the house-surgeon shall alternately attend the delivery of the wome.i received in the ward, and shall, in all cases give immediate notice thereof to the attending physician or surgeon, and whose duty it shall be to attend when any thing extra- ordinary occurs; but when the labour is natural, they may be present or not, as they think proper X. Not more than one of the assistants shall be present at any de- livery, except in extraordinary cases, when the attending physician or surgeon may exercise his discretion, in admitting pupils or students to be present. XL Female pupils may be admitted, on the recommendation of a governor of this hospital, or of the lying-in hospital, or of a physician or surgeon of this hospital, and with the consent of the visiting com- mittee, for the purpose of receiving instructions in the art of midwifery; and they may, at their option, reside in the house, during the pleasure of the governors, paying to the treasurer three dollars a week, for board, during their continuance in the house. XII. The house-physician shall regularly record in a book, to be kept for that purpose in the library, every delivery in extraordinary cases, with the circumstances relating to the same. XIII. The house-physician shall make a register of all births, containing the name of the mother, her age, if married, or single, her place of abode, the time of her admission, and discharge, date of the child's birth, and sex, and the name of the child. CHAPTER XXIII. Of the Lunatic Asylum. I. The building erected for the benefit of lunatics, shall be denomi- nated the " Lunatic Asylum," and appropriated solely for the reception of lunatics. II. The physician of the asylum shall attend the same, at least three times every week, and oftener, }f necessary. III. The asylum committee shall have the same powers, and per- form the same duties, with relation to the asylum, as those of the visiting committee with relation to the hospital; except that all pur- chases for the use of both houses are to be made by the superinten- dant, or visiting committee. 84 Bylaws of (he New-York Hospital. IV. The asylum committee shall appoint a proper person to be keeper of the asylum, and also a female keeper. V. The keeper shall perform the duties of the superintendant, and under his direction, so far as relates to the asylum. VI. The servants employed in the asylum, shall be appointed and discharged by the asylum committee. VII. Medicines shall be sent from the apothecary's shop to the asylum, in like manner as they are sent to the wards, under the di- rection of the physician to the asylum. VIII. None but pay-patients are to be received into the asylum. IX. The asylum committee may admit patients into the asylum, without any recommendation, upon such terms as they shall think reasonable; but before the patient is received, the committee shall take security, or payment in advance, for the expenses and maintenance of such patient, the charges of burial, in case of death, and of removal, in case the patient is sent back to his or her friends; and whenever a patient is sent to the asylum, it is recommended that a statement of his case, drawn up by a physician, or some of his friends, should be sent with him, for the information of the physician of the asylum. X. No patient shall be received from the alms-house, without a writ- ten request to admit him from the superintendant thereof. And such patient, when discharged, shall be returned to the alms-house, and a certificate, by the physician of the asylum, of the state of his case shall be sent with him. XI. Lunatics sent by the overseers of the poor of any town in this state, may be received on the same terms as those sent by the city and county of New-York. But the asylum committee shall take security for the payment, and for the expenses, of sending the patient back to the town, when discharged. XII. Every such patient when discharged, shall be sent back to the town from which he was received, and a certificate, like that mention- ed in the tenth section, shall be sent with him. XIII. A register shall be kept by the keeper, under the direction of the asylum committee, in which he shall record the admission and dis- charge of all patients, with such other matters as the committee may think proper. XIV. No visiter shall be admitted into the asylum without permis- sion from a governor, physician, or surgeon of the hospital, or from the superintendant; nor at any other than at such stated hours, as shall be from time to time appointed for that purpose, by the asylum committee. And the physician of the asylum may absolutely prohibit all visiters from such patients as he thinks proper, or allow them, under such re- strictions as he shall judge necessary. XV. The physician of the asylum shall cause to be kept a register, in which shall be entered every case under his care, the name, age, place of residence, and occupation of the patient, the probable cause and history of his disorder, the remedies used, the termination of his dis- ease ; and such other circumstances as may tend to elucidate the case, and the nature of the disease—which register shall be kept in the asy- By-laws of the New-York Hospital. 55 lum, under the care of the committee, who shall provide a proper book for that purpose ; and they shall cause all special and remarkable cases to be entered, at the end of every three months, by the clerk of the hos- pital, in a book, to be kept in the library ; and in all cases where it may bethought proper, the names of the patients or parties may be omitted. CHAPTER XXIV. Of the Library. I. Before the librarian enters on the execution of his office, he shall give sufficient security, to be approved of by the visiting committee, in a sum, not less than two hundred and fifty dollars, that he will indem- nify this corporation, for any loss or damage which may be sustained by his negligence or misconduct, as librarian. II. The librarian shall keep every work in the library, plainly num- bered on a label on the back, and also on the inside of every volume; and he shall cause to be written or printed on the title page of each vo- lume, " The Property of the New-York Hospital." III. He shall keep an accurate catalogue of the books in the library, containing the title, author, size, number, and numbei of volumes of each work. He shall keep a book containing printed receipts; and every person who shall borrow a book from the library, shall sign a re- ceipt for the same. IV. The librarian shall annually account for the library, to the vi- siting committee, or to the library committee. V. Books shall be taken from the library on such days only, as the library committee shall direct; and at hours not interfering with the visiting committee, or the attending physician or surgeon : but a go- vernor, physician, or surgeon of the hospital, may borrow books from the library, at any time. VI. Books may be loaned from the library, only to the governors; to the physicians and surgeons ; to their private pupils, subject to the regulations and restrictions contained in the ninth section ; to the house- physician, house-surgeon, apothecary, and other officers of the hospital; to those physicians and surgeons, who may have formerly been physi- cians or surgeons to the establishment; to those who may have served in the hospital, in the capacity of house-physician or house-surgeon, for twelve months, to the satisfaction of the governors, on the conditions and under the regulations directed in the ninth section ; to persons to whom the privilege has been specially granted by the governors ; and to those who shall acquire it in the manner prescribed in the next suc- ceeding section. Every other person admitted to the use of the library, shall pay to the treasurer five dollars, for which he shall receive a tick- et expressing that he is entitled to the use of the library for one year. VII. Every person who shall make a donation to the library, of books on medicine, surgery, or such subjects as are connected with me- dicine and surgery (to be approved of by the library committee) to the •mount of twenty-five dollars, or who shall pay to the treasurer the 36 By-laws of the New-York Hospital same amount in money, shall be entitled to the use of the library, under the regulations provided as to students. VIII. Of voluminous collections of distinct books or papers, no per- son shall be allowed to have out more than one volume, at one time ; nor shall any person, except a governor, physician or surgeon of the hospital, takeout more than a single volume, at one time, of any kind. IX. No student shall take out any book, without previously deposit- ing with the librarian, a sum of money, amounting, at least, to one third more than the value of the whole work to which the volume be- longs : but a student may be relieved from the necessity of making such a deposit, by leaving with the librarian, an engagement signed by some respectable, permanent resident in the city, in the following form : " A. B. being permitted to use the library belonging to the Society of the New-York Hospital, I do hereby promise to pay to the treasurer of the said Society, all such fines and foi feitures, as the said A. B. may be- come liable to, by virtue of the by-laws and ordinances of the said So- ciety relating to the library. Dated the day of 18 ." X- With respect to the following works, viz.: Medical Commentaries and Annals of Medicine; Physical Essays of Edinburgh; Medical Observations and Inquiries of London; all Memoirs of Medical or Philosophical Societies, Journals, Repositories, Reviews, and Magazines; and all such other works as the library committee shall direct, when a deposit is to be made, its amount shall be only five dollars for one octavo volume, and ten dollars for a quarto. XI. A folio may be kept out four weeks; a quarto, three weeks; an octavo or duodecimo, two weeks; and if any volume is detained longer, the person who took it out shall pay a weekly fine of twenty-five cents for every week beyond the time above specified, until it is returned, XII. If a book shall not be returned within three months, it shall be considered as lost, and the person who took it out shall forfeit his deposit if he has made any; and if not, then a sum equal to what the deposit would have amounted to, if any had been made. XIII. If any person shall lose one or more volumes of any set of books, he may give to the library a new set equally good with the for- mer ; and shall thereupon receive the remainder of the broken set: but unless he immediately does this, he shall incur the forfeiture mentioned in the last foregoing section, and the imperfect set shall be retained. XIV. The books marked thus* in the catalogue, shall be read in the library only; and students may be admitted into the library to pe- ruse those books, but on no other account whatever. The register of cases, or any other manuscript books, are not to be taken out of the library, without the special permission of the governors. XV. When any book is damaged, the librarian shall report the fact to the library or visiting committee, who shall determine the fine to be paid by the borrower. XVI. Every person who shall refuse or neglect to conform to the regulations contained in this chapter, may be refused the further use of the library, by the library or visiting committee. XVII. When any misunderstanding takes place on the subjects pro- By-laws of the New-York Hospital. 37 vided for in this chapter, it shall be decided by the library or visiting committee. XVIII. All fines and forfeitures imposed in this chapter, are appro- priated to the use of the library. The librarian is to collect and pay them over to the order of the visiting committee, to whom he is also to render an account every month, of such as have been incurred. CHAPTER XXV. No alteration or amendment shall be made to the by-laws, without notice thereof being given at least one month. The Charter of the New-York Hospital. 39 SECTION III. THE CHARTER. George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith, and so forth. To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting. WHEREAS our loving subjects, Peter Middleton, John Jones, and Samuel Bard, of our city of New-York, physicians, by their humble petition presented unto our trus- ty and well-beloved Cadwallader Colden, Esq. our Lieu- tenant-Governor, and then our commander-in-chief, of our province of New-York, and the territories depending there- on in America, and read in our council for our said pro- vince, on the ninth day of March, which was in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy, did, among other things, in substance, set forth, that there had been a subscription set on foot by them, for the purpose of erecting a public Hospital in our said city of New-York, and that sundry public spirited persons, influenced by principles of benevolence, had liberally subscribed towards the same; that from the manifest utility of such an infirmary, the peti- tioners hoped for further contributions, and that some very considerable donations had been then already promised, in case the success of the Institution should be rendered pro- bable ; but that the said monies could not be conveniently collected, or the design prosecuted with vigour, unless a corporation should be formed for that purpose; and there- fore the petitioners humbly prayed our Letters Patent, for- ming a corporation for the purposes aforesaid: now we, tak- ing into our royal consideration the beneficial tendency of such an°Institution within our said city, calculated for relieving the diseases of the indigent, and preserving the lives of many useful members of the community, are graciously pleased to grant the said humble request of our said loving subjects: know ye, therefore, that we, of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, have willed, given, granted, ordained, constituted, and appointed, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, do will, give, grant, ordain, constitute, and appoint, that the Mayor, Recorder, Alder- men, and Assistants of our city of New-York, in America, now and for the time being; the Rector of Trinity Church Petition of Doctors Mid- dleton, Jones, and Bard, for a Charter for an Hospital, recited, Which m Cfonsideraliou of its benefi- cial Tenden- cy is granted. 40 The Charter of the New-York Hospital. in our said city, now and for the time being; the President of King's College in our said city, now and for the time be- ing ; the Senior Minister of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in our said city, now and for the time being; the h*cob o"of Mhrister of the ancient Lutheran Church in our said city, fion nameT* now and for the time being; the Minister of the French Church in our said city, now and for the time being; the Senior Minister of the Presbyterian Church in our said city, now and for the time being; the Minister of the Moravian Church in our said city, now and for the time being; the Minister of the German Reformed Calvinist Church in our said city, now and for the time being ; the Minister of the New Lutheran Church in our said city, now and for the time being; the Minister of the Anabaptist Congregation in our said city, now and for the time being; the Minister of the Scotch Presbyterian Church in our said city, now and for the time being; and Sir William Johnson, Baronet, John Fothergill, of our city of London, in our kingdom of Great Britain, physician; Daniel Horsmanden, John Watts, Oliver De Lancey, Charles Ward Apthorp, Roger Morris, William Smith, Hugh Wallace, Henry White, Robert R. Livingston, Andrew Elliott, Archibald Kennedy, Abraham Mortier, Philip Livingston, William Axtell, James Duane, John Mo- rin Scott, Leonard Lispenard, Simon Johnson, Thomas Smith, William Bayard, Walter Rutherford, Alexander Col- den, John Van Cortland, Augustus Van Cortland, William Livingston, Abraham Mesier, Richard Morris, John Bogert, and John Moore, all of our said city of New-York? es- quires ; Abraham Lott, esquire, treasurer of our said pro- vince; Peter Van Brugh Livingston, David Clarkson, Walter Franklin, Gerard William Beekman, William M'Adam, George Bowne, Nathaniel Marston, Lawrence Kortright, George Folliott, David Provoost, Cornelius Clop- per, John Myer, David Van Home, Thomas White, Charles M'Evers, Isaac Low, John Beekman, Richard Sharpe, Thomas Pearsall, Joshua Delaphuic, Samuel Bowne, Isaac Sears, Samuel Broome, John Thurman, Jacob Watson, Lewis Pintard, Gerardus Duyckinck, James Beekman, Peter Goelet, William Ludlow, Nicholas Stuyvesant, John Harris Cruger, John Weatherhead, Theophilact Bache, Samuel Verplank, John Crook, Grove Bend, John Alsop, Casper Wistar, Isaac Roosevelt, Evert Bancker, Gerardus De Peyster, Henry Rutgers, the younger, Henry Haydock, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Isaac Corsa, Thomas Buchannan, An- drew Barclay, John Livingston, Augustus Van Home, Joseph Hallet,PeterKettletas, JacobLe Roy, and Abraham Duryee, all of our said city of New-York, merchants; William Brownejohn, of our said city of New-York, druggist; John Leake, of our said city of New-York, mariner; George The Charter of the New-York Hospital 41 Harrison, of our said city of New-York, brewer; Walter Du Bois, and Nicholas Jones, both of our said city of New- York, Gentlemen ; and Francis Basset, of our said city of New-York, pewterer; and such other persons as shall be'Andincorpor^ elected and admitted hereafter members of the corporation a,ed- hereby erected, be, and forever hereafter shall be by virtue of these presents, one body corporate and politic, in deed, fact, and name, by the name, style, and title, of "The So- St.leail4 ciety of the Hospital in the city of New-York in America," Title. and tbem and their successors and by the same name, we do by these presents, really and fully make, erect, create, con- stitute, and declare one body politic and corporate, in deed, fact, and name, forever: and will give, grant, and ordain that they and their successors, the Society of the Hos- pital in the city of New-York in America, by the same perpetual name, shall and may have perpetual sucession; and succession. shall and may, by the same name, be persons capable capable to in the law to sue and be sued, implead be impleaded, sue and be s«- answer and be answered unto, defend and be defended in all courts, and elsewhere, in all manner of actions, suits, complaints, pleas, causes, matters, and demands whatso- ever, as fully and amply as any other our liege subjects of our said province of New-York, may or can sue or be sued, implead or be impleaded, defend or be defended by any lawful ways or means whatsoever. And that they and their successors, by the same name, shall forever hereafter be May hold persons capable and able in the law to purchase, take, hold, Estates, receive, and enjoy to them and their successors any messu- ages, tenements, houses, and real estate whatsoever, and all other hereditaments of whatsoever nature, kind, and quali- ty they be in fee simple, for term of life or lives, or in any other manner howsoever. And, also, any goods, chattels, and personal estate whatsoever. Provided always, the clear P£*r!de£rth/ yearly value of the said real estate doth not at any time income does exceed the sum of five thousand pounds sterling, lawful mo- SSooSlsi^ ney of our kingdom of Great Britain, above all outgoings iioS. and reprises. And, that they and their successors, by the same name, shall have full power and authority to give, grant, sell, lease, demise, and dispose of the same real estate and hereditaments whatsoever, for life or lives, or years or The _or_o forever. And also, all goods, chattels, and personal estate ration may whatsoever, at their will and pleasure, as they shall judge to ^ul, be most beneficial and advantageous to the good and charita- ble ends and purposes above mentioned. And, that it shall and may be lawful for them and their successors, forever and hav„ a hereafter, to have a common seal to serve for the causes and Seal business of them and their successors, and the same seal to change, alter, break, and make new, from time to time, at 42 The Charter of the New- York Hospital. When ground is obtained, they may build an Hos- pital, which shall be called the New-York Hospital. For the more ■orderly Go- vernment of the Society, there shall al- ways be twen- ty six Govern- ors. A President and Vice Pre- sident. A Treasurer, or treasurers, Hid secretary. First Gov- ernors of the Cnrpoiation named. President and Vice Presi- dent, Treasur- er and Secre- tary named. who are to re- to lin in office until the 3d Tues- day in May, 1772, their will and pleasure. And our royal will and pleasure is, that when our said corporation hereby erected, shall have .acquired, by the aid of the legislature of our said province of New-York, by the generous donations of the benevolent, or otherwise, a proper and convenient piece of ground in and near our said eity of New-York, and funds sufficient, without injuring the said charity, to admit of the erecting an Hospital for the reception and relief of sick and diseased persons, that the said Society do erect within our said city of New-York, an Hospital for the said purposes ; which we will shall forever hereafter be called by the name of, i; The Neio- York Hospital." And that it shall and may be lawful for our said corporation from time to time, and at all times here- after, to erect for their use and convenience, any other house, houses, or buildings whatever. And, for the better carrying into execution the purposes aforesaid, our royal will and plea- sure is, and we do hereby for us, our heirs and successors, give and grant, to the Society of the Hospital in the city of New-York in America, and their successors forever, that there shall be forever hereafter belonging to our said cor- poration, twenty-six Governors of the said Hospital and corporation, of whom there shall be taken and had one pre- sident, and one vice-president, and who shall conduct and manage the affairs and business of the said Hospital and corporation, in manner as hereafter is declared and appoint- ed. And also, that there shall be forever hereafter, one or more treasurer or treasurers, and one secretary, belonging to our said corporation. And for the more immediate carry- ing into execution our royal will and pleasure herein, we do hereby assign, constitute, and appoint the aforesaid John Watts, Oliver De Lancey, Charles Ward Apthorp, Roger Morris, William Smith, Hugh Wallace, Henry White, Robert R. Livingston, Whitehead Hicks, Mayor of our said city of New-York, Andrew Elliott, Archibald Kennedy, Peter Van Brugh Livingston, David Clarkson, Abraham Mortier, Abra- ham Lott, Walter Franklin, Leonard Lispenard, Gerardus William Beekman, Philip Livingston, William M'Adam, George Bowne, William Axtell, Doctor John Fothergill, Nathaniel Marston, Lawrence Kortri-ht and George Fol- liott, to be the present Governors of the said Hospital and corporation; the aforesaid John Watts, to be the present president; and the aforesaid Andrew Elliot, to be the pre- sent vice-president; the aforesaid Peter Van Brugh Livings- ton, to be the present treasurer; and the aforesaid John Moore, to be the present secretary of our corporation hereby erected. Which said Governors, president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary, shall hold, possess, and enjoy their said respective offices until the third Tuesday in May, now next ensuing. And, for the keeping up the succession in the The Charter of the New-York Hospital. 43 said offices, our royal will and pleasure is, and we do hereby An<1 fi»r k«ep- J ii'ii* i • ,D8 UP ' suc- for us, our heirs and successors, establish, direct, and require cr«ion,iheso» of and give and grant to the said Society of the Hospital in m'f/t £,tothe the city of New-York in America, and their successors, for-*Elect'°» of ever, .that on the said third Tuesday in May now next ensu- ing, and yearly, and every year, forever thereafter on the third Tuesday in May in every year, they and their suc- cessors, shall meet at the said Hospital, or at some other day in m^ convenient place in our said city of New-York, to be fixed """■»■■?» and ascertained by some of the by-laws or regulations of our said corporation, and there, by the majority of such of them toelcctb as shall so meet, shall by ballot, or in such other manner b°iiotor and form as shall be directed and established by any [of, the ot-e™»e> by-laws or regulations of our said corporation, elect and choose twenty-six of their members, to be governors of our and out of a* ,,_ .i/. i • ji governors said corporation and Hospital for the ensuing year : and also chosen, to out of the said governors so elected and chosen, shall elect ^alllwizl and choose as aforesaid, one president, and one vice-president, Pre-ideut, for of our said corporation, for the ensuing year. And also, yeareMums shall then and there, elect and choose, as aforesaid, one or thf^f_£s more of the said governors or members at large, of our said or members corporation, to be treasurer or treasurers of our said corpo- »h°rose»lre"' ration for the ensuing year, and another of the said mem- And oot of ° ~ . . nri_. i "j *ne members, bers to be secretary for the ensuing year. W hich said a secretary. governors, and other the officers aforesaid, of our said cor- Jtbnf "Z,™', poration, so elected, shall immediately enter upon their res- ^"^'^ pective offices, and hold, exercise, and enjoy the same #£* 0n™heir respectively, from the time of such elections for and during *•£.P^ the space of one year, and until other fit persons shall be one year, or elected and chosen in their respective places, according to ^^.JS the laws and regulations aforesaid. And in case any of the •tneacd;se of the said persons by these presents nominated and appointed to Ami\h remov- the respective offices aforesaid, or who shall hereafter be *'',rec^'0J? ot elected and chosen thereto, respectively, shall die, or on °f™sc^™ any account be removed from such offices, respectively, be- |° lheJr """d, fore the time of their respective appointed services shall be »g;!» *j^ expired or refuse or neglect to act in and execute the office !Uch contio for which he or they shall be so elected and chosen, or is or t^r- are herein nominated and appointed ; then our royal will and pleasure is, and we do hereby direct, ordain, and require our said corporation, to meet at the place for the time being appointed, for the said annual elections, and choose other or others of the members of our said corporation, in the place and stead of him or them so dying, removed, refusing, or To prerat neglecting to act, within thirty days next after such contin- S*% rency ; and in this case, for the more due and orderly con- election,, Ae ductin^ such elections, and to prevent any undue proceedings Vice-Presi- therein, we do hereby give full power and authority to, and ^^T ttrdair. and require, that upon every vacancy in the office e«, 44 The Charter of the New- York Hospital of president, the vice-president, and any five of the Govern- ors of our said corporation and Hospital, for the time being ; and upon every vacancy in the office of vice-president, Governor, and in any other the offices aforesaid, the pre- sident and any five of the said Governors for the time being, shall appoint the time for such election and elections, and cause public notice thereof to be given, by publishing the same in one or more of the public news-papers printed in this to give seven Colony, at least seven days before the day appointed for such tho oewllCpa-n election ; or in case it shall so happen that at any time or per»,ofthe times hereafter, there be no such news-papers printed in day and place ,./-,, , , ~ • • ... ., appointed for this Colony, then by affixing up notices in writing, at the efecUonthe ^east seven days before the day appointed for such election, at two or more of the most public places inour said city of and the er- New-York ; hereby giving and granting that such person and sons then persons as shall be so chosen from time to time, by the ma- hoiTtheTr of- jority of such of the members of our said corporation as Bees from the shall in such case, meet in manner hereby directed, by tion. ballot, or in such other manner and form as shall be directed by any the by-laws or regulations of our said corporation, shall have, hold, exercise, and enjoy such the office or offices until the third to which he or they shall be so elected and chosen, from the Tuesday in time of such election until the third Tuesday in May thence May then next . . .. , . . ir ,, , following, next ensuing, and until other or others be legally chosen m his or their place or stead, as fully and amply as the person or persons in whose place he or they shall be chosen, could which meth- or might have done by virtue of these presents. And we fodr°nfu'ngCupn do hereby will and direct, that this method shall forever vacancies to hereafter be used for the filling up all vacancies in the said practise!! offices, between the annual elections above directed: pro- ton shaHa?**" vided nevertheless, that as well in the elections last mention- such elections, ed, as in the annual elections above mentioned, no person eieetfonsn,nbe shall be elected to the office of president, or vice-president, denfor vice'r un^ess ne tnen De a governor of our said corporation and President, un- Hospital. And our will and pleasure is, and we do here- goVernor? * Dv for us, our heirs and successors, direct, ordain, and re- The Presi- quire, that every president, vice-president, governor, treas- sidentV,' go?"" urer, and secretary of our said corporation, to be elected by urera_drseeacSr virtue of these presents, shall, before they act in their re- retary, to be spective offices, take an oath, (or if any of them shall be before'they'' OI" tne people called Quakers, or Unitas Fratrum, an af- enter on their firmation) to be to them administered by the president, or respective ol- , ' . , , r . ' hcestakeap vice-president or our said corporation for the time being, M^fofthe or of the preceding year, (who are hereby severally authoris- £o_f£ee"fU* e(* t0 atlmm'ster tne same) for the faithful and due execution of their respective offices, during their continuance in the same, respectively. And further, our royal will and pleasure is, and we do hereby for us, our heirs and successors, ordain and appoint, and give and grant to the Society of the Hospital The Charter of the New-York Hospital. 4J in the city of New-York, in America, that the president of dea'- pleasure being, that none of the estate, real, personal, or mixed, of our said corporation, be sold, or in any wise aliened, None of the ",.i, i Li- ci. estate of the but by and with the concurrence and approbation of the coloration, majority of the whole number of the Governors of our said *" ^tdnyp*0^ corporation for the time being, first obtained at some legal sent of the meeting of our said corporation; and, that none of the real tTeJwhote0go- or mixed estate of our said corporation be leased, demised, or in any wise disposed of, for any longer term than me year, without the like concurrence and approbation of the majority of the whole number of the Governors of our said coiporation for the time being, first obtained as aforesaid. And further, we do hereby for us, our heirs and successors, ordain and appoint, and give and grant to the Society of the Hospital in the city of New-York, in America, that at any, veinors. 46 The Charter of the New-York Hospital. •i^jn'tegai™" an(* everv such kg5"* meeting of any seven or more of the toecting, may Governors of our said corporation, of whom the president oi our said corporation for the time being, or in case of a va- cancy in the said office, or the sickness or absence of the said president, the vice-president for the time being, shall always be one, it shall and may be lawful for them, in writ- of the coV'w- ing> under the common seal of our said corporation, to make, ation, make frame, constitute, establish, and ordain, from time to time, by-laws, for ' . ' ' '. ' the good go- and at all times hereafter, such laws, constitutions, ordinances, thereof "of Hi regulations, and statutes for the better government of the of- members, ofli- ficers, members, and servants of the said corporation, and vanu,andofr of the patients from time to time admitted into the said be'aKi,'.10 Hospital; for fixing and ascertaining the places of meeting The places of our said corporation, on the days and times of the elec- eiectionsf ° tions above mentioned ; and for regulating the mode and manner of making such, and all other the elections in our said The mana- corporation ; the management and disposition of the funds Rement and anfj charities, and all other the business and affairs 'whatever thePfund°snand of our said corporation, as they, or the major part of them,. mii'niher'd- so legally met, shall judge best for the general good of the ness, for the said corporation, and profitable for the more effectual pro- corpora/ion, moting the charitable and beneficial designs of the said cor- a"*irihre VaT Porat>011 : a"d tne same, or any of them, to alter, amend, and amend, or repeal from time to time, as they, or the major part of them so met as aforesaid, shall judge most condusive to the benefit of the said charity; provided such laws, constitu- tions, regulations, ordinances, and statutes, be not repug- Such by.- nant to the laws of that part of our kingdom of Great Britain repugnant to' called England, nor of this our province of New-York.— the laws of Ariel we do further will and grant, that the said Governors Kngland or ,, ., . . ,... t-ii. colony, of the said corporation for the time being, or any seven or more of them, so legally met and convened as aforesaid, of whom the president, or vice-president, for the time being, Therovem- shall always be one, as aforesaid, shall have the full and sole ars to appoint p0wer an(j authority forever hereafter,by the majority of their voices from time to time, to elect, nominate, and appoint i.-mWr of sucn ano" so many physicians and surgeons, as they shall phyiici-jnsand judge necessary' to attend the said Hospital, and the sick teiXhe'p.*' and diseased patients from time to time admitted to the bene- tients, fits 0f |ne s^d charity ; and to appoint the physicians and surgeons so elected, their respective powers, authorities, bu- _iso an apoth. siness, trusts, and attendances; and also to appoint an 7?&Zu&m!Z~ apothecary, a steward, and matron, of and for the said ron> Hospital; and from time to time to appoint them, the said »nd aSain dis- apothecary, steward, and matron, and each of them, their pi'"othti$i_ respective powers, authorities, business, trusts, and attendan- their »te»d. C( s; and to displace and discharge the apothecary, steward, and matron, from the service of the said Hospital, and to nominate and appoint other or others in their places and stead. And we do further, of our especial grace, certaiTv The Charter of the New-York Hospital. 41 knowledge, and mere motion, for us, our heirs and succes- Thepresi- sors, grant and ordain, that when, and as often as any pre- president," g°- sident, vice-president, governor, treasurer, secretary, physi- ure?,or.e«eti- cian, or surgeon of the said corporation, shall become unfit ry> phj»c».« or incapable to execute their said offices, respectively, or l\pli>fe°o(ia~ shall misdemean themselves in their said offices, respectively, ^Ssdemeanine contrary to any the by-laws or regulations of our said cor- himself, poration, or refuse or neglect the execution thereof, and thereupon a complaint or charge in writing, shall be exhibit- ed against him or them, by any member of our said corpo- ration, at any legal meeting of the governors of our said corporation and Hospital, as aforesaid, that it shall and may mav upon be lawful for the president, or vice-president and governors, complaint, e»- . . /.i i iii animation, and or the major part of them, then met or at any other legal meet- due proof,be ing of our said corporation from time to time, and upon ex- •uspeudetl- amination and due proof, to suspend or discharge such president, vice-president, governor, treasurer, secretary, physician, or surgeon, from their offices respectively, al- though the yearly or other time for their respective servi- ces, shall not be expired ; any thing be-fore in these presents contained to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding; —Provided always, that no president, vice-president, go- vernor, physician, or surgeon, shall be suspended or dis- charged at any meeting, without the concurrence and appro- , bationof the majority of the whole number of the governors ofgovemo" of the said corporation, nor without having a copy of the complaint or charge against him, at least six days before such examination; and an opportunity to be fully heard in his defence. And for the keeping up and preserving, forever hereafter, a succession of members for the said corporation, our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby for us, our heirs and successors, ordain, give, and grant, to " The Society of the Hospital in the city of New-York in America," and their orT«? legal"" successors, forever, that it shall and may be lawful at all time meeting n.-v and times hereafter, forever, for any seven or more of the governors of our said corporation, for the time being, of whom we will the president, or in case of his absence, sickness, or a vacancy in the said office of president, the vice-president of the said corporation, shall always be one, being convened and met together, as aforesaid, so as to be a legal meeting of our said corporation, as above mentioned, to elect and choose by the majority of their voices, and in such manner by majority _■ and form, and up on such terms and conditions, as shall be '^j^?;- directed, ordained, and established for that purpose, by any the said by-laws, statutes, constitutions, or ordinances of the said corporation, and admit under the common seal of our ihe,r seal ad- said corporation, such, and so many persons to be members ■i{£y"J2_>i of the said corporation, as they shall think beneficial to the deem benefi- laudable designs of the said corporation. Which persons, c^lhe " and every of them, so from time to time elected, chosen, 18 The Charter of the New- York Hospital The govern ors to render accounts to the general assembly, of all their pro- ceedings, when there- unto required The charier ;o be constru- ed in favour «f the societv, and being en- tered on re- cord, shall be tffectual in The lair. and admitted, shall, by virtue thereof, and of these pre- sents, be vested with all the powers, authorities, and privi- leges, which any member of the said corporation is hereby invested with. And our will and pleasure further is, that the said governors of the said corporation and Hospital, shall yearly and every year, give an account in writing, of the several sums of money by them received and expended, by virtue of these presents, or any authority hereby given ; and of the management, application, and disposition of the revenues and charities aforesaid, to the general assembly of our said province, for the time being, or to such person or persons as the said general assembly shall, from time to time, appoint to receive and audit the same accounts, when they the governors of our said Hospital shall be thereunto required by the said general assembly of our said province. And further, we do by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, give and grant, unto the said Society of the Hos- pital, in the city of New-York in America, and their succes- sors forever, that this our present Charter, shall be deemed, adjudged, and construed in all cases, most favourably, and for the best benefit and advantage of our said corporation, and for the promoting the good ends and designs of this charitable Institution; and that this our present grant, be- ing entered on record, as is hereinafter expressed, shall be forever hereafter, good and effectual in the law, according to our royal intent and meaning herein before declared ; and without any other license, grant, or confirmation from us, our heirs or successors, hereafter by the said corporation to be had or obtained, notwithstanding any mis-recitals, non-re- citals, not-naming, or mis-naming, or any of the aforesaid offices, franchises, privileges, immunities, or other the pre- mises, or any of them; and although no writ of ad quod Damnum, or other writs, inquisitions, or precepts hath been upon this occasion had, made, issued, or prosecuted; any statute, act, ordinance, or provision, or other matter or thing to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. Jn testimony whereof, we have caused these our Letters to be made Patent, and the great seal of our said province to be hereunto affixed, and the same to be entered of record, in our secretary's office for our said province of New-York, in one of the Books of Patents there remaining. Witness our right trusty and right well-beloved cousin, John Earl of Dunmore, our captain-general and Governor-in-chief, in and over our said province of New-York, and the territories depending thereon in America, Chancellor and Vice-Admiral of the same, at our Fort in our city of New-York, by and with the advice and consent of our council for our said province of New-York, the thirteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventv-one, and of our reign the eleventh. Acts of the Legislature. 49 SECTION IV. ACTS OF THE LEGISLATURE. AN ACT for the better and more permanent support of the Hospital in the City of New-York. Passed, March 14th, 1806. WHEREAS it has become necessary, on account of the increasing number of patients in the Hospital, in the city of New-York, to en- large the same, by erecting additions thereto, for the more convenient accommodation of the sick and disabled, and, particularly, to provide suitable apartments for the maniacs, adapted to the various forms and degrees of insanity : And whereas, the said Hospital is an institution of great public utility, and humanity, as well as the general interests of the state, requires that fit and adequate provision should be made for the support of such an infirmary for sick and insane persons: Therefore, the better to enable the Governors of the said Hospital, by means of a permanent fund, to maintain and improve the said Hospital, I. BE it enacted by the people of the State of New-York, represent- ed in Senate and Assembly, That the Treasurer of this state shall every year hereafter, until the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, upon the warrant of the comptroller, pay to the treasurer of the Society of the Hospital in the city of New-York, in America, for the use of the said corporation, in quarter yearly payments, out of any monies in the treasury of this state not ofherwise appropriated, the annual sum of twelve thousand five hundred dollars; the first quar- terly payment to be made on the first day of May next; which said annual sum of twelve thousand five hundred dollars, shall become chargeable upon the duties on sales at public auction or vendue in the said city of New-York. II. And be it further enacted, That the act, entitled " An act to continue the provision for the public Hospital, in the city of New- York," passed the 2d March, 1805, be and the same is hereby re- pealed. III. And be it further enacted, That the Governors of the said Hospital, shall make an annual report of the state of that institution to the legislature. 7 so Acts of the Legislature. AN ACT to alter the Style mid Title of the Society of the Hospital in the City of New-York in America, and to amend the Charter thereof. Passed, March 9,1810. WHEREAS "the Society of the Hospital in the city of New-York in America," by their petition under their common seal, have repre- sented to the legislature, that doubt had arisen whether the election of members under a by-law of the said corporation, existing for many years past, had been made in strict conformity with the charter of the said society, and that their franchises under the said charter might thereby be rendered insecure, and have prayed that their said fran- chises may be confirmed to them, and secured from the consequences of any such mistake, or any future inaccuracy or misconstruction ; and also that the legislature would be pleased to change the name and style of the said corporation, and to amend their charter in the man- ner herein after mentioned ; therefore, I. BE it enacted by the People of the State of New-York, repre- sented in the Senate and Assembly, That the said corporation shall forever hereafter, be known and distinguished by the name and style of " the Society of the New-York Hospital;" and by that name shall continue and be a body corporate and politic, and may sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered unto, without any seizure or forejudger of their franchises, liberties or privileges, or being thereof excluded or ousted, for or upon any pretence of any for- feiture or misdemeanor at any time heretofore done, committed or suffered; and the said corporation shall and may have and enjoy all their rights, grants, franchises, lands, tenements, hereditaments, and estates whatsoever, in like manner, as if no misurer or other cause of forfeiture had heretofore occurred; and all the acts of the said corpo- ration shall be and hereby are confirmed and declared to be as valid to all intents and purposes, as if no such misurer or other cause of for- feiture had happened or been committed. II. And be it further enacted, That hereafter the president, vice- president, treasurer and secretary of the said corporation, shall be elected by the governors of the same, and not, as heretofore, by the members of the said corporation at large. AN ACT for the further support of the New-York Hospital. Passed, 23d March, 1810. BE it enacted by the People of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, That there shall be paid to the treasurer of the New-York Hospital, for the time being, out of the monies arising from the duties on goods sold in the city of New-York, three thousand Acts of the Legislature. Bl five hundred dollars per annum, for the space of ten years from the passing of this act, to be paid quarter yearly, in four equal payments, and the first quarter to be paid on the first day of August next, and quarterly thereafter, for and during the above term often years : Pro- vided always, That at any time, within the period aforesaid, the legis- lature may repeal this act. NOTE—The above Act was repealed by the 5th section of the Act, entitled, "An Act respecting navigable communications, between the great Western and Northern Lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean," passed April 15, 1317. AN ACT to enable the Society of the New-York Hospital to erect a new building for the accommodations of insane patients. Passed, April 17,1816. WHEREAS the Governors of the New-York Hospital have repre- sented to the Legislature, that the building heretofore erected for the accommodation of insane patients, has, by reason of their increased number, become wholly inadequate for the purpose for which it is in- tended, that they are desirous of erecting another building for the said purpose, and have purchased a very eligible scite for the same, but that the funds of the institution being merely sufficient for its ordinary ex- penses, they are unable, without aid of the Legislature, to carry their intentions into effect: And whereas there is no other institution in the state in which such patients can be taken care of and relieved: And whereas humanity, and the interest of the state, require that fit provision should be made for the care and cure of insane persons: Therefore, BE it enacted by the people of the Slate of Neia-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, rl hat during the period mentioned in the first section of the act entitled " An act for the better and more permanent support of the hospital in the city of New-York," the Treasurer of this state shall pay to the treasurer of the Society of the New-York Hospital, in quarter yearly payments, ouf of any monies in the trea- sury of this state, not otherwise appropriated, the annual sum of ten thousand dollars, the first quarter-yearly payment to be made on the first day of May next, which said annual sum shall be chargeable upon the duties on sales at public auction or vendue in the said city, of New-York: Provided always, that all payments heretofore direct- ed by law, to be made out of the aforesaid duties for the support of charitable institutions in the city of New-York, shall be made pre- vious to the payment of the sum hereby granted to the said Society of the New-York Hospital. B% Patients Admitted, Sfc. SECTION V. Account of Patients Admitted into and Discharged from the New- York Hospital, in the following years. >*3 _ "2 1 JOS to eg <_ & <_ ft! o t. r 55 so «5 <_ 5 Remaining Dec. 31st, 1810— 266 } Admitted in 1811, 1391 < 1657 1043 42 76 32 68 149 do. 1812, 1245 904 99 64 11 43 156 do. 1813, 1121 699 97 110 21 38 128 do. 1814, 926 586 104 74 20 28 122 do. 1815, 1547 1026 132 133 16 46 162 do. 1816, 1705 1159 65 224 25 58 163 do. 1817, 1518 1099 125 144 33 43 113 do. 1818, 1721 1210 132 118 21 56 148 do. 1819, 1725 1319 78 130 38 39 137 13165 9045 874 1073 217 419 1278 RECAPITULATION. Admitted from Dec. 3lst 1810, to Dec. 31st 1819, DISCHARGED. 13,165 Cured, . Relieved, . Request, t Improper Objects, Disorderly and Eloped, Died, . Remaining in the Hospital Dec. 31st, 1819, 9,045 874 1,073 217 419 1,278 •12,906 259 13,165 Patients Admitted, fyc. 53 Of the above number of Patients, 820 were Lunatics, and admitted into the Asylum, viz. Remaining 31st Dec. 1810, Admitted in 1811, do. 1812, do. 1813, do. 1814, do. 1815, do. 1816, do. 1817, do. 1818, do. 1819, DISCHARGED. Cured, Relieved, . Request, Improper Objects, Eloped, Died, Remaining Dee. 31st, 1819, 56 108 127 105 104 69 49 49 75 77 337 147 137 41 16 78 -820 -756 64 Account of Lunatic Patients admitted and discharged during the year 1819. Remaining Dec. 31, 1818 70 Admitted, . . .78 Total, 148 Cured, Relieved, Request, In proper Objects, Eloped, Died, Total discharged and died, Remaining Dec. 31, 1819. 44 9 13 8 3 #7 84 64 148 Who were of the following Coun- tries. America, Africa, England, France, . Germany, Holland, Ireland, . Italy, . Spain, Scotland, West-Indies, 108 1 9 2 3 I 15 3 1 4 1 148 of * Viz. 1 of Fever, 2 of Phthisis Pulmonalis, 1 of Apoplexy, 1 Gangrene, 1 of Diarrhcea, 1 Inflamation of the Brain. N. B. Of the number admitted during the year 1819, the insanity •f 26 was caused by the intemperate use of ardent spirits* There remained^ the 31st of December, 1818, 5 Women in the Lying-in-Ward. During the year 1819 ther* h*v» been 39 other admissions making a total of 44; viz. 15 natives of America, 9 of England, 1at"France5^of Holland health ^ VV "^V ?f Jhpf5- We? de\[Ted>2 discharged by r^est, * remained undelivered, S^were d'scharled ,n health 1 Woman died of Phthisis after delivery; 37 children have been born, and 3 have died in the Ward Tn7r! rl mained on the 31st December 1819, 2 Women who had been delivered, and 4 undelivered The Childrp'n S t generally Vaccinated, previous to there discharge, agreeably to a standing rule of thelouse?' ^ & ** RECAPITULATION FOR 1819. C Pay Patients in the Hospital, including U. S. Seamen 97 ! Do. in the Lunatic Asvlum. ■»« Remaining 31st December 1818, j Do. in the Lunatic Asylum, ] Paupers,...... ( Lying-in Ward Paupers, " Pay Patients in the Hospital including U Do. in the Lunatic Asylum,. Admitted from 31st Dec. 1818, to ] Paupers, 31st December 1819. Discharged in 1819, Remaining 31st December, 1819, Lying-in Ward Paupers, Cured, ..... Relieved,..... Request,..... | Improper Objects, Disorderly and Eloped, .Died,........ 136 \ Pay Patients in the Hospital, including U. S. Seamen, 98 J Do. in the Lunatic Asylum, j Paupers,..... ( Lying-in Ward Paupers, S. Seamen, 275 1725 1741 259 3" 8 i*< -2000 *• -2000 Patients Admitted, fyc. 55 The Patients included in the preceding table were natives of the following places. America, . 1074 Portugal, 10 Africa, 8 Prussia, 5 Denmark, 8 Russia, 1 East-Indies, . 5 Spain, 4 England, 159 Sweden, 36 France, 28 Scotland, . . 35 Germany, 40 West-Indies, < 24 Holland, 9 At Sea, 1 Ireland, 527 Unknown, 1 Italy, . 11 . Norway, 14 Total, . 2000 -«»Hlll#lllll«»- NOTE. By a Law of the United States, every Seaman in the Merchant service, pays 20 cents per month (deducted out of their wages) for their support, if sick or disabled. This not being sufficient for the support of all who applied for Hospital relief, the Governors admit- ted the number enumerated in the following page, being supernume- rary, or more than what has been yearly paid for by the United States. They conceive they have an equitable claim on government, for the maintainance of the seamen thus admitted, amounting to $15,141 28 cents, as will appear by the following statement, and they have repeatedly petitioned Congress, but as yet have not succeeded in obtaining payment. Account t>f Supernumerary Seamen received into the New- York Hospital, exceeding the number paid for by the Collector, Funeral Expenset, S,c. Admitted from 27th Nov. 1804, to 31st March 1805,65 seamen, 285 w. 0 d. at $3 per week, burials, &c. $871 00 do. 1st 1805, 12th Dec. 1805,32 105 0 do. 321 29 do. 1st Jan. 1806, 23d do. 1806, 80 659 0 do. 2,026 01 do. 1st 1807, 31st do. 1807,46 169 0 do. 518 29 do. 1st 1808, 31st do. 1808,367 1477 6 do. 4,548 57 do. 1st 1809, 31st do. 1809, 90 232 0 do. 706 00 do. 1st 1st 1810, 1811, 31st do. 31st do. 1810, 112 1811,201 166 280 2 0 do. do. 840 508 86 do. 00 2 Burials, at 5 each 10 00 9500 02 do. 1st 1812, 31st do. 1812,261 384 2 at $3 per week, 1,152 85 10 Burials, at 5 each 50 00 do.' 1st 1816, 31st do. 1816,182 462 3 at $3 per week, 1,387 28 7 Burials, at 5 each 35 00 do. 1st 1817, 31st do. 1817,45 123 0 at $3 per week, 369 00 2 Burials, at 5 each 10 00 do. 1st 1818, 31st do. 1818,41 217 4 at $3 per week, 672 71 2 Burials, at 5 each 10 00 850 00 1202 85 1422 28 379 00 682 71 do. 1st 1819, 31st do. 1819,89 seamen, at $3 p*v week, 1104 42 -------- 5641 26 $15,141 28 Names of the Members, Sfc. SECTION VI. Governors Elected 5th mn. (May) 16, 1820. MATTHEW CLARKSON, President. THOMAS EDDY, Vice-President. JOHN ADAMS, Treasurer. BENJAMIN W. ROGERS, Assistant-Treasurer THOMAS BUCKLEY, Secretary. PETER A. JAY, F. C. SCHAEFFER, GEORGE NEWBOLD, CADWALLADER D. COLDEN THOMAS FRANKLIN, EBENEZER STEVENS, ROBERT H. BOWNE, WILLIAM JOHNSON, WILLIAM EDGAR, Junr. JONATHAN LITTLE, JOHN B. LAWRENCE, NATHAN COMSTOCK, JOHN R. MURRAY, DUNCAN P. CAMPBELL THOMAS C. TAYLOR, JOHN CLARK, Junr. ANDREW MORRIS, NAJAH TAYLOR, ROBERT I. MURRAY, WILLIAM BAYARD, JOHN M'COMB. Physicians, Surgeons, 8[c. PHYSICIANS. David Hosack, m. d. John Watts, m. d. Thomas Cock, m. d. Peter C Tappen, John Neilson, Physician to the Asylum. SURGEONS. Wright Post, m. d. Richard S. Kissam, m. p. Valentine Mott, m. d. Alexander H. Stephens, m. n Noah Wetmore, Superintendent, Francis U. Johnston, House Physician, Jam<-,s C. Towns end, House Sur. HfcRSEy Baylies, Apothecary, Samuel I. Wetmore, Clerk and. Librarian. 8 &s Members of the Society of SECTION VII. The following persons for the time being, are, Members of the Society, by virtue of the Charter, viz. The Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Assistants of New-York, " Rector of Trinity Church, " President of King's College, " Senior Minister of the reformed Protestant Dutch Churchy " Minister of the Ancient Lutheran Church, " Senior Minister of the Presbyterian Church, " Minister of the German reformed Calvinist Church; " Minister of the New Luthern Church, " Minister of the Anabaptist Congregation, " Minister of the French Church, " Minister of the Moravian Church, " Minister of the Scotch Presbyterian Church. Alphabetical list of Members of the Society of the New-York Hospital. A. Francis Atkinson, Josiah Adams, John Atkinson, John Jacob Astor, John Aspinwall, Stephen Allen, John Adams, S. Akerly, B. Samuel Bard, M. D. George Bowne, Gerard G. Beekman, G. G. Beekman, Junr, Joseph Byrnes, Samuel Belamy, John Barrow, Aaron Burr, Walter Bowne, William Bayard, Thomas Buckley? John L. Bowne, Abraham Bell, Abraham Barker, J. E. K. Berck, Egbert Benson, Divie Bethune, Robert H. Bowne, Benjamin Butler, Joseph Blackwell, Abraham Brinkerhoff, Junr. James Boyd, Junr. J. Boorman, Robert L. Bowne, William Bayard, Jnnr. c. Matthew Clarkson, Henry Cruger, Junr. Daniel Cotton, John B. Coles, John Clark, Samuel Corp, John T. Champlin, The New-York Hospital John G. Coster, Isaac Collins, Uriah Oliver Champlin, Thomas Collins, Richard Cunningham, Israel Corse, John Clark, Junr. Willet Coles, I.evinus Clarkson, Duncan Pearsall Campbell, William Cairns, Peter Crary, Junr. Isaac Carrow, Thomas Cadle, James Conklin, David Clarkson, Matthew Clarkson, Junr. William Bayard Clarkson, Cadwallader D. Colden, Benjamin U. Coles, William Crary, George Chance, Nathan Comstock, Thomas S. Clarkson, D. Gerardus De Peyster, V illiam Duncan, London, George Duncan, Frederick De Peyster, Patrick Dennis, David L. Dodge, John B. Dash, James F De Peyster, Robert G. L. De Peyster, Frederick De Peyster, Junr. Abraham De Peyster, Matthew L. Davis, Cornelius Du Bois, Rufus Davenport, E. William Edgar, Thomas Eddy, John Elliott, William Edgar, Jum; F. Thomas Fisher, Henry Franklin, Caleb Frost, Thomas Franklin, John Franklin, Abraham Franklin, George Fitch, Moses Field, G Robert Gray, John J. Glover, Archibald Gracie, John Greene, Cornelius Grinnell, Junr, M. Gelston, George Griswold, John Greenfield, John Graham John P. Groshon, H. Abijah Hammond, Nathaniel Hawxhurst, Henry Haydock, Junr. John Hunter, David Hosack, M. D. Benjamin Huntington, 60 Members of the Society of Goold Hoyt, H. Hammond, Valentine H. Hicks, Oliver Hicks, Philip Hone, John Haggerty, William Hartshornc, John Hone, Elias Haines, William Hill, Samuel Hicks, Isaac Hyer, Jacob Halsey, William Hamersley, M. D. I. John Jay, William Jauncey, Horace Johnson, Amasa Jackson, William Johnson, Peter A. Jay, S. Jones, Junr. Joshua Jones, Naphtali Judah, Isaac Iselin, John Jones, Edward R. Jones, James Jenkins, L. John II. Livingston, Senior. Robert P. Livingston, Catherine Lawrence, Thomas Leggett, Leffert Lefferts, Nicholas Low, John B. Lawrence, Herman Le Roy, Jonathan Little, William Lovett, Richard M. Lawrence, Thomas Lawrance, John T. Lawrence, Gulian Ludlow, E. Lyde, Junr. William Leffingwell, David R. Lambert, Robert Lenox, E. Leavenworth, Thomas H. Leggett, James Lovett, Jacob Lorillard, Joseph Lloyd, Jonathan H. Lawrence, Henry Laverty, John G. Leake, Herman Le Roy, Junr. Richard R. Lawrence. K. William Kenyon, Joseph Kettletas, Isaac Kibbee, Peter Kemble, James Kent, J'lias Kane, M. Richard Morris, John Moore, Alexander M'Comb, Benjamin G. Minturn, Moses Myers, Andrew Morris, John R. Murray, James Magee, Nathaniel'G. Minium, Samuel Mott, The New-York Hospital. 61 Peter Jay Munro, James M'Vickar, Stephen B. Munn, Jonas Minturn, John Mason, S. L. Mitchell, John B. Murray, Benjamin Marshall, Samuel M'Coun, John M'Comb, John Mason, Junr. Robert J. Murray, R. Cornelius Ray, Moses Rogers, Nehemiah Rogers, William T. Robinson, Silvester Robinson, W. H. Robinson, John W. Russell, Benjamin W. Rogers, Nathaniel Richards, Jacob Radcliff, George Richards, Henry Remsen, Philip Rhinelander, Herman G. Rutgers, N. William Neilson, Greorge Newbold, o. T. L. Ogden, Andrew Ogden, David B. Ogden, Joseph Pearsall, Edmond Prior, Thomas Pearsall, (Watch Frederick Philips, Henry Post, Junr. Allison Post, Thomas C. Pearsall, William M. Pluyment, Nathaniel Prime, Isaac Pierson, Amos Palmer, Gideon Pott, Wright Post, M. D. s. William Shotwell, George Stafford, Edmund Seaman, Comfort Sands, Thomas Stoughton, Christopher M. Slocum, John Stites, Ebenezer Stevens, Reuben Smith, Peter Schermerhorn, Maker,) James Scott, Allen Shepherd, Jacob Sherred, J. Schieffelin, Gamaliel Smith, Garrit Stephens, Drake Seymore, Isaac Sebring, John Slidell, Benjamin Strong, Robert Seaman, Jesse Scofield, Jacob Storm, Ferdinand Suydara, Stephen Storm, 62 Members of the Society, 6/c. James Sterling, Josiah Sturges, Thomas H Smith, Nathaniel Smith, Alexander H. Stevens, M. D. John Stanford, A. M. Thomas R. Smith, T. John Titus, John Townsend, Najah Taylor, Robert Troup, Jeremiah Thompson, Francis Thompson, Thomas C. Taylor, George Taylor, Junr. Samuel Tuke, of the City of York (England,) H. K. Toler, w. Gerard Walton, Isaac L. Winn, Gilbert C. Willett, Charles Watkins, William W. Woolsey, Joshua Waddingfton, Henry I. Wyckoff, Henry Ward, John R. Wheaton, Eliphalet Williams, Charles Wilkes, Lemuel Wells, Stephen V. hitney, Ezra Weeks, Oliver V olcott, Samuel Wood, John G. VV ai ren, Jasper Ward, Isaac Wright, Samuel Ward, Thomas W. Ward, Cornelius Williams, Isaac Wood, M. D. u. William Ustick, Junr. V. Augustus Van Cortland, Richard Varick, John Van Blarcom, Junr. William Vandervoort, John V. B. Varick, FINIS. * Med Wi*ir, wz 5fc77 b ISJIO NLM010013615