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Franklin, Benjamin

"Philadelphia 1726-1757"

Since which, People of all
Ranks in this City have united zealously and heartily in promoting
this pious and excellent Design, and more than the Sum stipulated was
subscribed in a few Days only, and a much larger Sum will probably be
rais'd here if the Country chearfully contributes to the capital
Stock, which 'tis not to be doubted they will do, when they consider
how much they are interested in it.
The Difference between nursing and curing the Sick in an
Hospital, and separately in private Lodgings, with Regard to the
Expence, is at least as ten to one. For Instance, suppose a Person
under the Necessity of having a Limb amputated, he must have the
constant Attendance of a Nurse, a Room, Fire, &c. which cannot for
the first three or four Weeks be procured at less Expence than
_Fifteen Shillings_ a Week, and never after at less than _Ten._ If he
continues two Months his Nursing will be _Five Pounds_, his Surgeons
Fee, and other accidental Charges, commonly amounts to _Three
Pounds_, in the whole near _Ten Pounds_; whereas in an Hospital, one
Nurse, one Fire, &c. will be sufficient for ten Patients, the extra
Expences will be inconsiderable, and the Surgeon's Fees taken off,
which will bring the above Calculation within the Limits of Truth.
But the Difference with Regard to the unhappy Sufferer is still
greater. In an Hospital his Case will be treated according to the
best Rules of Art, by Men of Experience and known Abilities in their
Profession.


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