PROJECT FOR INFIRMARY.

A recent meeting of the Boston Society for Medical Improvement was devoted to a discussion of the need of a Harvard Infirmary. Dr. Clarence I. Blake, professor of Otology in the Medical School, opened the discussion. He was followed by Dr. G. W. Fitz, by Mr. Walker, who spoke on hospital construction, by Doctors Driver, Wyman, and Ela, practicing physicians in Cambridge, and others.

It was urged that there were at least 1200 men in Cambridge who, if not ill enough to be taken to a hospital, have no place other than their rooms to which they may go, and must depend on food brought to them from a distance. An infirmary would provide such men with suitable quarters and, by means of a diet kitchen, with suitable food.

An infirmary would also afford a suitable place for the diagnosis of doubtful cases. More adequate provision for men with contagious diseases could also be made.

Dr. Fitz showed that since the beginning of the present college year there have been 2600 sick excuses presented at the office, and that these represent an absence from college duties of over 16,000 days.

A strong argument for an infirmary here is the success that has attended the Yale infirmary. There all students, who use the infirmary, pay for their doctor, nurse and the like, and one dollar a day additional for the conveniences of the building.

Preliminary plans have been drawn for a building to cost $12,000, but it is hoped that more money will be available. The money is expected to be raised by subscription. The Corporation has signified willingness to give the necessary land.

It is suggested that each student resident in Cambridge be taxed $1.00 a year. This would afford a certain fixed sum which could safely be calculated upon. Moreover, five dollars would be deducted from the charges against all students who were sent to the infirmary, so that the payment of the one dollar would be in the nature of insurance.