Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 692

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Various. Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 692

'LIVES O' MEN.'

A MORNING IN A LONDON HOSPITAL

THE LAST OF THE HADDONS. CHAPTER XVI. – MARIAN'S RISE IN LIFE

FOSSIL MEN

SUCH OLD FRIENDS. A STORY

CHAPTER I. – COUNTRY LIFE

CHAPTER II. – VISITS

CHAPTER III. – VISITORS

CHAPTER IV. – IN DESOLATION UNREPINING

RABBITS IN NEW ZEALAND

THE MONTH: SCIENCE AND ARTS

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'If you will meet me at – Hospital at half-past ten on Monday morning, I shall be happy to shew you anything in my power.' So ran a note I received some little time since from a privileged visitor at one of the largest London hospitals. An hour's ride brought me to the gates of the institution, which is in the very heart of busy London, and yet, as far as noise goes, might be miles away from all its life and bustle. A little world by itself it stands, having its own laws and customs, its chiefs and subordinates, and certainly its own joys and sorrows. Crossing a stone yard and up a flight of steps, the first obstacle presented itself in the shape of an ever-watchful porter; but the name of my correspondent had a magical effect in quieting his fears. Friends of the patients are allowed to visit them on three days in the week at stated hours; but beyond this, without private interest, it is by no means easy to obtain admission to any hospital.

Passing through the porter's gate, I found myself in a stone hall, where my friend joined me; and opening a door at one end, she led me into the accident ward. Down each side of the long room were arranged beds at short intervals, each with its coverlet of blue check and curtains to match. Yet there was little monotony in the appearance of the whole, each bed taking different shapes according to the nature of its inmate's accident. Skilled hands know how to place sufferers in the position that causes least pain; and light frames are fixed over injured limbs to prevent contact with the bed-clothes. Each bed too has a chain suspended from the top, with a handle attached; by which simple contrivance patients are enabled to raise and in some measure help themselves much sooner than would otherwise be possible. Some of the worst 'cases' are too ill to notice us as we go round; but from the greater number we get something of a smile.

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'And the medicine; have you difficulty with that?'

'Never; however nasty it is, they drink it up without a word.'

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