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If I mistake not, some of its supporters still think that it would be much better for the original design, if the clinical department were separated from the charity. One reason I believe for their holding this opinion is, that they would not then be constrained to maintain any fixed number of beds, but would be at liberty to adjust the accommodation to the amount of support they receive. They would thus be freed from the disagreeable necessity of bringing the wants of the institution before the public, in the urgent manner they are now obliged to do, in order to keep pace with the exigencies of the medical class. I am not aware whether there is any other feeling influencing these persons or not, but I can well conceive that they may imagine that the sick poor would be more willing to enter an hospital where there is no instruction given than where there is. This latter idea, if it exists, I am firmly convinced is exactly the reverse of the truth. The confidence which the poor feel in the skill of a physician, explaining to a class of students the peculiarities of their ailments, is much greater than in that of one who having no occasion to express his opinions, makes his examination, and directs his treatment in silence. Upon this point I think I am better able to express an opinion than most persons, having been for many years physician to the non-clinical wards in Sir P. Dun's Hospital, before I accepted my present office. In it I had no class to instruct, and if I am not greatly mistaken, judging merely from the patients' manner and looks in both institutions, the feelings entertained towards me here, as regards my skill and ability to treat their diseases skilfully, are much more satisfactory than they were in the former.[1] As to the other objection I cannot help thinking, that if the principle were once admitted that the public were to be left to themselves to supply, without solicitation, the requisite funds to support the charity, the resources at the disposal of the committee would get smaller
- ↑ The correctness of this opinion was confirmed on the day of lecture by the Veil, the Archdeacon of Meath, who stated to me, that a patient recommended by him told him, on his return home, the confidence inspired in his mind by hearing me explain the features of his complaint to the class.
