USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1874 > Part 17
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$3,449 88
Groceries and Provisions,
2,913 76
Carpets, Bedding, Table Linen, &c.,
420 04
Repairs,
223 25
Coal and Wood,
404 96
Surgical Instruments,
120 54
Medicines,
558 29
Gas,
214 24
Rent for Front street Hospital in 1873,
1,057 29
Crockery and Tinware,
162 32
Stationery, &c.,
18 23
Printing,
55 93
Furniture and Fixtures,
802 52
Ice,
61 79
Trucking,
26 45
Hay and Grain,
184 96
Clothing, Shoes, &c.,
22 61
Insurance Assessment,
5 62
Tools and Hardware,
37 70
Sundries at Hospital,
55 16
Balance unexpended, Dec. 1, 1874,
1,579 57
- $15,661 12
Referring to the above statement, the Trustees would respect- fully ask the City Government for an appropriation of $12,000.00, less the balance credited to the City Hospital account in the statement of the Finance Committee of December 12th instant.
The following gifts were received during the year (December) .. Mrs. Albert Curtis, sheets ; Mrs. Geo. W. Richardson, toys ; Mrs. E. L. Davis, grapes ; People's Club, toys and fruit ; Mr. Arthur Graves, book; Mrs. C. N. Clifford, sheets and pillow
cases. (January). Mrs. Wm. H. Blanchard, shirts ; Stephen Salisbury, jr., book case, stair carpet and directory ; Publishers of of the Daily Spy, a copy of the Spy during the year ; Publishers of the Evening Gazette, a copy of the Gazette during the year ; Publishers of the Daily Press, a copy of the Press during the year ; Mrs. Geo. F. Verry, periodicals ; Mrs. G. Henry Whit- comb, pieces. (February). Mrs. George Gill, delicacies. (April). Mrs. Chickering, linen ; Mr. Albert Curtis, 35 medical books to form a consulting library ; Dr. Albert Wood, medical books and pamphlets for the library ; Dr. Oramel Martin, medi- cal and surgical books for the library. (May). Mrs. J. Henry
229
CITY HOSPITAL.
Hill, pieces ; Mrs. E. W. Ball, pieces; Mrs. Geo. W. Gill, pieces ; Mrs. Theodore Brown, pieces ; Mrs. J. H. Walker, pieces ; Mrs. C. L. Kent, pieces ; Mrs. E. Burnap, pieces ; Mrs. Webster, pieces and underclothing. (June). Anony- mous, pieces ; Mrs. J. Rice, shirts and pieces ; Mrs. and Miss Miller, underclothing and pieces ; Anonymous, twenty dollars for rides for patients ; Mrs. H. E. Richardson, pieces ; Mrs. E. L. Davis, pieces; Flower Mission, flowers. (July). Mrs. Butman, pieces ; Mrs J. S. Rogers, books. (August). Flower Mission, flowers. (September). People's Club, flowers, pieces and pictorials. (November). Mrs. Albro, pieces. All these donations were most acceptable and were gratefully acknowl- edged.
There are at present employed in the service of the Hospital, besides the resident physician, Dr. Charles A. Peabody, and the Matron, Miss M. A. Hales, a cook and assistant, a male and female attendant, a night watchman, a gardener and a laundress.
A communication from the President to the Trustees, concern- ing the management of the Jaques property is appended to this report, also the report of the resident physician, giving a detailed account of cases treated. The report of the Medical Staff is here- with presented, containing valuable suggestions as to the urgency of increasing the accommodations for patients and also a state- ment of the style of construction most approved by physicians for hospitals for the treatment of medical and surgical cases.
Since the opening of the hospital in 1871, there have been 512 patients admitted. Last year 169 patients were treated. This year 187 patients have been cared for.
In behalf and by order of the Trustees.
STEPHEN SALISBURY, JR.,
Secretary.
WORCESTER, December 21, 1874.
.
COMMUNICATION OF THE PRESIDENT.
To the Trustees of the City Hospital :
GENTLEMEN :- I desire to call your attention to the subject of the Jaques legacy to the city hospital ; its present condition, future management, etc. At our last meeting, it will be remem- bered, I reported that Mr. Jaques' executors had recently paid over the sum of $20,852.79, it being the balance of his personal property,-consisting of sundry stocks, city of Worcester bonds, and a small amount of cash,-which, under your direction, was duly transferred to the custody of the City Treasurer, substantially in accordance with the requirements of the ordinance relating thereto. The balance and bulk of Mr. Jaques' munificent bequest, as you are well aware, consists of about twenty-one acres of unoc- cupied land, situated in the central part of the city, and at present yielding no income. The three acres of land on Prince street which he donated for a site for hospital buildings are not included
in this statement. It is becoming an urgent and important ques- tion, what disposition shall be made of this large landed property in the interests of the hospital ? Shall it remain, as at present, with the expectation of an eventual advance, in the value of the land with the growth of the city ; or shall it be sold in lots from time to time, as a favorable market presents itself and tlie pro- ceeds invested to increase the Jaques fund already begun with his personal estate ? I would venture to suggest that the more remote and less valuable land might be sold and the money used in building desirable blocks for rent upon that centrally located, and the balance rented on long lease to parties to build upon ; thus securing the rise of the land for the benefit of the hospital, and at the same time making the surest possible investment.
231
CITY HOSPITAL.
While the trustees are required to exercise a careful supervision of all property, funds and estate given or bequeathed for the use of the hospital so as to prevent any loss or diminution of the value thereof, they are wholly without authority to sell, invest money, except in city scrip, or make any changes with the view to improvement of the property. The ordinance referred to re- quires that all moneys which shall be received directly or in- directly for the benefit of the hospital shall, unless conditions are connected with the gift or bequest inconsistent therewith, be deposited in the city treasury and city scrip shall be issued therefor bearing interest at the rate of six per cent. per annum, payable semi-annually, the interest to be added to the moneys which shall have been appropriated for the use of the hospital. Mr. Jaques in his will made no conditions or restrictions as to how his bequest should be invested or managed, but reposing full confidence, left these details to the wisdom and fidelity of those having it in charge, explicitly stating that it is given in trust, and only providing that it should be used solely for the benefit of the hospital and for no other use whatsoever. He however expresses a preference to have it set apart as a separate fund and the income only applied to the support and maintenance of the hospital, which ought to be respected and faithfully carried into execution.
No one would assume, that the city in its corporate capactity, is in any sense the bona fide owner of this property, or authorized to dispose of, or invest it, except as a trust fund given for a special and specified object, but is bound both by the will and by constitutional law relating to trust funds, to safely invest and manage the property to the best advantage for the furtherance of the purposes designed by the testator. It will be seen that the ordinance quoted, which was framed at the inception of this enterprise, when no one anticipated what so rapidly followed, disposes of this whole matter in a summary and very questionable manner. The investment of this large trust fund by the city, in its own securities at a low rate of interest is inexpedient and mani- festly unjust, and tends to work evil to the bequest. Moreover it is regarded by the City Solicitor, and other high legal authority, as unwarranted by law.
232
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
For these reasons and others that might be mentioned, I would suggest for your consideration, the propriety of calling the atten- tion of the City Council to these facts, and recommending that such alterations be made in the hospital ordinance, as shall enable a finance committee of this board, or perhaps a special commission, to invest and manage this, and all similar legacies belonging to this institution, under such restrictions as shall be deemed ad- visable.
The admirable management of Dr. Green's bequest to the Public Library, as provided by the will, could be quoted with great force, as also that of similar trust funds belonging to the Massachusetts General Hospital, and other benevolent institu- tions throughout the country.
Respectfully Submitted.
F. H. KELLEY.
WORCESTER, December, 1874.
REPORT OF THE RESIDENT PHYSICIAN.
SINCE the Hospital was opened, 512 patients have been ad- mitted.
NUMBER OF PATIENTS IN THE HOSPITAL, DEC. 1, 1873.
Males,
5. Females,
8. Total, 13.
Medical,
5. Surgical, 8.
Paying,
3. Free, 10.
ADMITTED FROM DECEMBER 1, 1873, TO DECEMBER 1, 1874.
Male.
Female.
Total.
Patients paying board,
33
9
42
supported by State,
18
5
23
66 remaining.
76
33
109
-
127
47
174
Of these, 22 paid $10.00 per week, and others paid various smaller amounts. The average price paid was $7.42 per week.
TREATED DURING THE YEAR.
Males,
132. Females,
55. Total, 187.
Medical,
83. Surgical,
104.
Paying,
45. Free, 142.
The largest number of patients in the Hospital at any one time was 16 ; smallest number, 4.
The average number was 11.34. Males, 6.92; Females, 4.42.
The average time of paying patients was 24.5 days ; of free patients, 21.7 days.
DISCHARGED DURING THE YEAR.
Well,
90
Much relieved,
33
Relieved,
19
Not relieved,
5
Not treated,
12
Died,
14
173
31
234
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
NUMBER REMAINING, NOVEMBER 30, 1874.
Males,
10 Females, 4 Total, 14
Medical,
7 Surgical, 7
Paying,
4 Free, 10
· Five deaths were the result of accident, two of apoplexy, two of septicemia, and one each of scarlet fever, typhoid fever, Bright's disease, pneumonia, and ulcer of the stomach. The death rate was 7.5.
The number of accidents admitted was 54.
RESIDENCE.
Worcester,
141
Massachusetts, (excepting Worcester),
24
Other States,
9
BIRTHPLACE.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Massachusetts,
37
15
52
Other New England States,
9
5
14
Other States,
4
3
7
Total Americans,
73
Ireland,
57
21
72
Great Britain,
5
3
8
British Provinces,
11
11
Other places,
10
10
Total Foreigners,
101
OCCUPATION.
Males.
Females.
Laborers,
53
Domestics,
20
Mechanics,
43
Housewives,
15
Minors,
12
Minors,
8
Operatives,
9
Operatives,
2
Clerks,
6
Canvasser,
1
Railroad Employés,
4
Teacher,
1
127
47
CIVIL CONDITION.
Males.
Females.
Single,
81
Single,
29
Married,
40
Married,
13
Widowers,
6
Widows,
5
ADMISSION REFUSED.
Cardiac disease,
5
Empyema,
1
Phthisis,
5
Hæmoptysis,
1
Pregnancy,
3
Hydrocele,
1
Coxalgia,
3
Injury,
1
Abscess,
2
Insanity,
1
Erysipelas,
2
Rheumatism,
1
Alcoholismus,
1
Spinal disease,
1
Bright's disease,
1
Venereal disease,
1
Chorea,
1
-
Club foot,
1
Total, 32
235
CITY HOSPITAL.
Of this number, more than one third were refused for lack of room.
In view of our crowded condition, it is a cause for congratula- tion that the rate of mortality for the year has been so low (7.5 per cent). So favorable a result can hardly be looked for another year, while we are situated as at present. We occupy a mansion house, and our wards are filled with beds to double their capacity ; two things which are in direct opposition to the teachings, not of other hospitals only, but also of our own ; for while the first year in the Bigelow Mansion, the rate of mortality was 11.8 per cent. the second year it was 14.2 per cent. while the average rate at the Boston City Hospital is about 8 per cent.
That we have come so near to the best results of other hospitals, the past year, is due not merely to the class of cases treated, but especially to the healthfulness of our surroundings, and to the efficient management of the late Superintendent, Dr. Wheeler, who continued in charge until the first of November.
Report of Diseases and their Results, from December 1, 1873, to December 1, 1874. MEDICAL.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1873.
Male.
Female.
Total.
Well.
Much Relieved.
Relieved.
Not Relieved.
Not Treated.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1874.
GENERAL DISEASES.
Typhoid Fever,
2
6
2
10
8
1
9
1
Scarlet Fever, .
1
1
1
Febricula,
2
3
5
4
1
Intermittent, .
3
·
2
2
1
5
2
1
1
Debility, .
NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Apoplexy, .
2
2
·
.
2
2
Melancholia,
1
Alcoholismus,
2
1
3
1
1
1
.
1
.
.
2
66
Sciatica,
4
1
5
.
.
3
2
5
Paralysis, .
FAUCES AND THORACIC VISCERA.
Tonsillitis, .
1
1
2
2
2
Pharyngitis,
1
1
1
1
Pleuritis,
1
1
.
.
.
Pneumonia,
3
4
1
5
.
4
1
5
.
Hæmoptysis,
1
1
1
1
1
Valvular Disease of Heart, .
·
.
1
.
.
.
.
1
ABDOMINAL VISCERA.
Jaundice,
1
Bright's Disease,
2
Ulcer of Stomach,
1
·
1
Diarrhea, .
1
1
1
Colic, .
1
DISEASES OF WOMEN.
Emesis (Pregnancy), .
1
.
1 1
1
1
Retroflexion of Uterus,
2
2
1
1
1
Anteversion "
1
1
1
1
Pelvic Abscess,
1
DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
Herpes,
1
1
1
1
·
Eczema, .
1
.
.
.
.
Syphiloderma,
1
1
1.
.
.
·
.
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
Epilepsy,
2
2
1
2
Neuralgia,
1
1
2
1
1
1
3
.
.
.
3
2
Emphysema,
.
.
.
.
1
1
1
.
1 2
1 1
1
1
1
Dysmenorrhea,
1
2
2
2
1
Rheumatism-Acute, .
3
2
5
3
3
3
Purpura Hemorrhagica,
.
·
1
1
1
1
.
·
.
.
1
.
1
1
.
2
·
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
.
.
1
1
1
.
.
1 5
Sub-Acute,
2
2
Chronic,
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
- .
1
1
.
Phthisis, .
1
1
1
CITY HOSPITAL.
SURGICAL DISEASES.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1873.
Male.
Female.
Total.
Well.
Much Relieved.
Relieved.
Not Relieved.
Not Treated.
Died.
Total.
Shock, .
1
1
.
1
1
Septicemia,
2
2
2
Entropion, .
1
1
1
1
.
.
1
Hernia,
Hemorrhoids,
1
1
1
Fistula in Ano, .
1
.
66
Urinary,
2
2
1
1
2
66
Vesico-Vaginal,
.
1
1
4
2
1
3
1
Necrosis of Humerus, 66
1
1
1
1
1
2
Coxalgia, .
1
1
2
1
1
2
Gangrene of Leg,
1
1
1
2
1
3
False Anchylosis of Hip,
1
1
2
1
1
2
Abscess in Axilla,
1
1
1
1
66
" Leg,
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
3
Tumor of Superior Maxilla,
1
1
.
.
" Foot,
1
.
.
·
2
3
2
1
3
Vegetations of Anus,
1
1
1
1
.
.
·
.
·
INJURIES.
· Burn,
1
1
2 1
1
Multiple Injuries, .
2
2
1
Exposure to Cold, .
3
3
1
8
4
3
1
·
1
1
2 1 12128212 1
Fracture of Skull, " Jaw,
1
1
1
1
1
Fracture of Clavicle,
1
1
2
2
2
1
·
1
·
·
66
" Forearm, comp'd,
2
.
66
ununited,
1
.
1
1
.
1
.
1 1.
.
.
1
1
.
.
.
.
1
1
Stricture,
1
Hydrocele, .
Femu
1
.
1
2
2
Club Foot, .
1
2
3
.
1
1
Synovitis,
" Breast,
1
1
1
1
.
1
1
Chronic Ulcer of Leg,
3
.
3 1
1
1
1
1
Cancer of Breast. " Leg,
1
1
1
·
.
1 1
Ovarian Tumor,
1
.
1
1
1
1
4
.
1
" Tibia,
2
.
1
1
.
1
1
" Thigh,
2
1
1
1
1
Concussion of Brain,
8
·
·
Scalp Wound,
1
2
1 2
1
1
.
Gunshot Wound of Thorax, . Abdomen,
1
1
·
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
.
1
Potts' Disease,
1
.
1
1
| In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1874. |
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
2
. .
.
.
.
Blister,
1
1
·
Ulna,
1
" Wrist (Colles'),
.
2
.
1
1
1
1
Thigh,
1
.
1
237
238
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
SURGICAL DISEASES -Continued.
DISEASES.
| In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1873.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
|Much Relieved.
Relieved.
Not Relieved.
Not Treated.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1874.
, INJURIES.
Fracture of Phalanges, comp.
1
1
1
1
66
" Femur, .
Cervix Femoris,
.
3
1
4
2
1
1
4
" Fibula,
1
·
.
.
2
2
compound, .
3
1
4
3
3
1
Compound Fracture of Tibia and Fibula, both legs, . .
1
1
1
Fracture of Tarsus, Metatar- sus, or Phalanges, comp'd.
1
6
.
7
4
1
5
2
Sprain,
2
2
1
1
.
·
Ruptured Perineum,
1
1
1
.
.
.
1
·
3
3
2
.
1
1
1
.
" Tibia,
" Tibia and Fibula, ~
2
.
1
1
1
2
1
.
. CHAS. A. PEABODY,
Resident Physician.
WORCESTER, December 21, 1874.
·
·
.
2
.
·
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
.
1
66
REPORT OF THE MEDICAL STAFF.
To the Board of Trustees :
GENTLEMEN :- In presenting their first annual report, the Medical Staff congratulate the Trustees on the high degree of public confidence enjoyed by the Hospital, and on the marked success which has been attained in the short period of its ex- istence.
No one at its beginning could have intelligently predicted such rapid growth and prosperity. But while its present position is so flattering and its future so full of promise, the demands made upon it by an appreciating and rapidly growing community are greater than its capacity to supply.
In a communication addressed to you last July, by the Com- mittee of Conference, it was urged that increased accommoda- tions for patients were greatly needed ; that provision should be made for "isolating the noisy, foul, and infectious cases ;" and it was suggested that this could easily be done by building an in- expensive wooden pavilion. Your attention was respectfully called to the following points :-
The present building is already full. Many worthy applicants are necessarily refused admission. " That through want of room, large and important classes of cases, such as chronic diseases of the joint and of the spine, are entirely debarred from treatment and cure." The present building cannot be properly ventilated. Large corporations and adjoining towns are asking for opportunity to acquire the right of free beds. An Oculist has been added to the staff, and a Lying-in ward is much needed.
.
240
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
As yet nothing has been done to relieve the institution of these hindrances to its greater usefulness. What is most needed is more room. As co-workers, we beg to offer a few suggestions. On the continent, in England, and in our own country, the most important subject which is agitating the minds of medical men, at the present time, is the proper construction of hospitals. There is an almost unanimous opinion among those who, from large experience, high professional standing, and close study of the subject, are best qualified to judge, that no more large build- ings of many stories should be erected for hospital purposes. The aggregation of the sick in such buildings, begets and brings to maturity a most formidable enemy which has been christened Hospitalism. All statistics of capital operations show the rate of mortality to increase, in nearly a geometrical ratio to the numbers associated together. Mr. Erichsen, in his recently published lectures on Hospitalism, has shown that he can predict with certainty an outbreak of surgical fever in his accident ward, when the number of severe cases reaches a given point. This ward- room is thoroughly ventilated, and contains fourteen beds. Each patient is allowed full fifteen hundred cubic feet of air space.
.
He says : " The average number of open wounds in this ward is about seven, or half the number of patients it contains ; and if these wounds be not severe, such a number can be retained in it with moderate safety. But, if they rise above this in number, or if the majority be severe, then septic disease will certainly break out." To put one floor over another is also generally con- demned. It can never be done without sooner or later giving rise to cases of infectious disease.
The convergent testimony of all the late writers upon the gen -. eral subject of hospital hygiene, unites in the recommendation to erect only one-story buildings; these to be disconnected from each other, and of the capacity to contain as few beds as a proper regard to economy will allow. One built of brick at Fort Independence, Boston Harbor, of the capacity of twenty-four beds, cost $13,500. It is probable, from much evidence already collected, that to build of wood is equally good, and possibly The experience gained from the late great wars of this
' better.
241
CITY HOSPITAL.
and other countries, has thrown a flood of light upon this whole subject. From this experience, it was clearly shown that field- tents in summer, and rough board barracks, or even tents but im- perfectly warmed, in winter, gave better results than were re- ported from the metropolitan institutions of any country.
From this we learn the true work of the hospital-the cure of its patients. Nothing should stand in the way of securing this most desirable object. Nothing should be considered impractica- ble or inexpedient. No question of mere economy should be- come paramount. The hospital grounds should not be so limited as to prevent carrying out this plan.
It is not to be supposed that the generous donor of our munifi- cent hospital fund, would have its usefulness imperilled or im- paired by the erection of costly and ornamental structures, such as ambitious architects and an uneducated community might rejoice to see, but which in the light of the present, would thwart the purpose intended. What the sick need is fresh, pure air, and in great abundance. The fewer there are crowded together, charging the air with their fetid and poisonous exhalations, gen- erating the miasm of hospitalism, the better their chances of re- covery. It is conclusively proved that many of the evils and scourges of great hospitals are preventable. Duty requires therefore, that in the interests of humanity, every effort should be made to prevent them. What Dr. Bowditch calls preventive or state medicine, is the problem of the near future. How to' prevent disease is more important than how to cure disease. One writer has aptly said, that the school-master is seldom asked to build the school-house, but is it presuming too much to suggest that the party best qualified to devise a plan for a proper hospi- tal building is the physician ?
To confine the operations of the hospital within its present limits for any considerable length of time, will endanger its suc- cess and injure its reputation. Its rooms are small and do not admit of proper ventilation. Thus the difficulty is two-fold. The number of cubic feet allotted to each patient in one ward, is a little more than one-third of that allowed in Mr. Erichsen's ward, and worse still, without ventilation. Already have we en- countered grave cases of septic disease. Once more the medical
32
242
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
staff urge the request, that when action is taken, ample grounds shall be furnished, to contain as many of these small, model hos- pital pavilions as from time to time the necessities of our growing city shall require.
E. WARNER, GEO. A. BATES, ALBERT WOOD,
Committee on Reports.
WORCESTER, December 5th, 1874.
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
REPORTS
OF THE
DIRECTORS AND LIBRARIAN.
DIRECTORS IN 1875.
-
TERM EXPIRES.
NATHANIEL PAINE,
WILLIAM R. HUNTINGTON, Jan 1, 1876
CHARLES O. THOMPSON,
CHARLES H. MORGAN, 66 1877
THOMAS L. NELSON,
THOMAS E. ST. JOHN, 66 1878
CHARLES H. DOE,
JOHN J. POWER,
66 1879
GEORGE E. FRANCIS,
EDWARD EARLE, 1880
PETER C. BACON,
EDWARD H. HALL, 66
1881
ORGANIZATION FOR THE YEAR 1875.
PRESIDENT. T. L. NELSON.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER. NATHANIEL PAINE.
COMMITTEE ON THE LIBRARY.
W. R. HUNTINGTON, C. O. THOMPSON, NATHANIEL PAINE, T. E. ST. JOHN, G. E. FRANCIS.
COMMITTEE ON THE READING ROOM. CHARLES H. DOE, J. J. POWER, E. H. HALL.
C. H. MORGAN,
COMMITTEE ON THE BUILDING. EDWARD EARLE, P. C. BACON.
N. PAINE,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. T. L. NELSON, P. C. BACON.
LIBRARIAN. SAMUEL S. GREEN.
MISS SARAH F. EARLE, Assistant Librarian, Green Library. MISS JESSIE E. TYLER, Assistant Librarian, Circulating Library.
DIRECTORS' REPORT.
To the Honorable Clark Jillson, Mayor, and the City Council of the City of Worcester:
THE Directors of the Free Public Library respectfully submit their Fifteenth Annual Report.
The untimely illness of the President deprives the Board of the great aid which his wise judgment would give in summing and discussing the transactions of the past year.
The history of the management of the important trust com- mitted to the Board of Directors, and the present condition of the Library, are set forth in the comprehensive reports of the Librarian and of the standing committees of the Board, which are herewith transmitted.
Additions have been made during the year to the Green Reference Library of 6 books by gift, 576 by purchase and 4 from other sources ; in all 586. To the circulating and intermediate department, 282 books and 928 pamphlets have been added by gift, 3,180 by purchase, and 164 bound volumes of periodicals from the reading-room ; in all 3,626 books and 928 pamphlets.
The report of the Library Committee states fully the principles which have regulated the purchase of books for the several de- partments. The Green Library, under the wise restrictions im- posed by its founder, naturally accumulates works of reference, many of them rare and costly. The Circulating Library presents books of general interest for borrowers. The one becomes more and more a store-house of bullion ; the other of coin. It is note- worthy that some of the largest and most expensive works, such as the Transactions of the Royal Society, and Dingler's Polytech-
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO 29.
nisches Journal, are often consulted by some of the busiest and most practical of our fellow-citizens to meet the exigencies of our teeming industries.
The past year has been marked by a striking increase in the use of the library. The following table presents the facts :
Books given out in the Circulating Department,
102,575
Average daily issue,
218
334
Largest number issued in one day,
588
731
Smallest
43
162
Losses of books, not paid for by borrowers, in five months,
2
4
Number of days for use of Circulating Library,
306
307
66 of Reference Library,
359
359
Number of books used in
15,672
20,550
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