Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Hospital

HOSPITAL, a building properly endowed, or otherwise maintained by voluntary contributions, for the reception and support of the poor, sick, infirm, or helpless.

Few countries abound with a greater number ot these humane institutions than Britain; yet they are often calculated to generate disease rather than to cure it, on account of their crowded wards, or from their confined situation in populous cities, where the most pestilential vapours are in a manner condensed; and thus, in too many instances, the victims of poverty, age, infirmity, or sickness, eventually perish by mutual contagion.

Much, we are convinced, has already been done towards remedying an evil of so serious a nature; but still more remains to be accomplished, before salutary changes produce the desired effect in this neglected department of medical police. We mention these few circumstances, in order to excite a greater degree of attention to this important object, in which the salubrity of the metropolis is particularly concerned. Those of our benevolent readers who wish to acquire further information, ought to read the Extracts from an Account of the Institution for the Cure and Prevention of Contagious Fevers in London, lately published; as well as Mr. Aikin's Thougthts on Hospitals (8vo. 1s. 6d. Johnson, 1771): both pamphlets equally abound with interesting facts and observations.