Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Class, Commerce, Surgery, Hospitals, Gender

    Describing the low cost of a cataract operation for 'a labouring man' and the high cost of the same operation for wealthy and aristocratic persons, observes that for 'a man with a small income, and perhaps a large family', an approximate cost of £50 for this operation is 'a heavy fork-out'. Accordingly, argues for the benefits of 'an institution of the nature of a benefit club' regarding 'surgical attendance', which will allow subscribing patients to have surgery performed on them as cheaply as elsewhere. Goes on to note that such an institution, the London Surgical Home, already exists for women. Describes the considerable success rate of the hospital that it regards as proof of the genuineness of the concern. Draws attention to the founder of the hospital, Isaac B Brown, whom it believes should be thanked by 'poor surgeons' and women patients, and notes the employment opportunities that will be provided by the establishment of more surgical homes.