Nature and religion patronize every in-
stance of distress, but most powerfully be-
friend that deepest of all distresses, sickness
in poverty.  Sickness itself will excite com-
passion, though alleviated by every com-
fort and advantage of wealth.  How
much stronger a sympathy must then arise
at the sight or idea of sickness imbittered
by poverty! or considered in another view,
of poverty disabled by sickness!  Most men
are inclined, but very few, in comparison,
have the power to relieve it.  Public con-
tributions, therefore, seemed the most
likely to effect what the private bounty of
individuals could not.  This gave rise, in
the present charitable age, to infirmaries,
and in particular to this, which has the
merit and the honour of being the first
hospital in this kingdom for lying-in wo-
men; and of setting an example which
has been so happily followed.

The charitable designs of this hospital
were carried on for several years in two
convenient houses adjoining to each other,
in Windmill street, Tottenham court
road, where the first institution in August
1745, was intended only for the relief of
the indigent sick and lame: but in July
1747, the Governors willing to render it
more worthy of the notice of the public,
extended their plan to the relief of the