90 The New Rupture Society. 



sum of nine shillings, provided it he a single rupture of the 

 groin or thigh; and in cases of double ruptures, as well as 

 in those which occur near the navel, the expense will seldom 

 exceed eighteen shillings for each patient. The apparatus 

 for prolapses will not, in general, be more expensive than 

 for ruptures. 



By adopting a system of ceconomy * in the formation and 

 management of a permanent fund for these purposes, a 

 number of subscribers of one or two guineas each, per 

 annum, may be enabled to administer consolation to thou- 

 sands of their fellow-creatures, who would otherwise die 

 miserably, or live unprofitable members of the community. 



One objection, and only one, it is here proper to antici- 

 pate, lest some benevolent persons should suppose there is 

 no absolute necessity for the establishment of this institu- 

 tion ; namely, " that there already exists a society for these 

 specific objects." 



During the year 1 796, a society was formed in this metro- 

 polis for the sole purpose of gratuitously affording surgical 

 assistance and trusses to ruptured persons, of either sex, 

 in indigent circumstances. The benefits of that establish- 

 ment were extended to those ruptured soldiers and sailors 

 (properly recommended by their commanding officers) who 

 had been dismissed from his majesty's service; on which 

 account the war-office contributed fifty pounds per annum 

 towards the support of that society. Popular instructions 

 were likewise printed and circulated by the subscribers, for 

 conveying to the afflicted poor such needful information 

 concerning the nature and consequences of ruptures as 

 should lead them to adopt means for their personal safety. 

 But, unfortunately, some circumstances occurred which in- 

 duced the principal patrons of that institution (after calling 

 a general meeting) to discontinue their sanction, and at 

 length to withdraw from it entirely. 



These facts are now too publicly known to require further 



■* The surgeon and all the other officers of this new institution, except the 

 collector, serve gratuitously; and there is no expense v/hatevcr for house- 

 rent, or committee- rooms, kc. &c. — so that nearly the whole of the funds of 

 this society are eiclusivelv applied to the relief of the afflicted poor. 



explanation. 



