Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 485

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Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Macão.

AUG.

On the first of July, 1839, it was reopened; but owing to the ex- traordinary events of that year, it was found necessary to suspend its operations on the 15th of the subsequent month. During that short space, 167 persons applied for medical relief. Although medicines were administered for some months afterwards to occasional appli- cants, the doors of the hospital were not again thrown open to receive either in or out-patients until August, 1840.

From that time up to the present (June 39th, 1841), with the ex- ception of occasional interruptions from the unsettled state of affairs, there has been a portion of each day devoted to this department of the Society's operations.

The capabilities of this institution have not as yet been fully test- ed, both from its recent origin, and the fear and disquietude which per- vaded the native community a few months since, as well as from a reluctance to allow its medical duties to encroach upon the time that was necessary to devote for acquiring some attainments in the lan- guage: all of which have induced a less extensive opening of the hospital than otherwise would have been desirable. But now, judg- ing from the increase of attendance for the last few months, from this city, and the numerous and populous towns and hamlets in this vici- nity, it is reasonably anticipated that its influence and usefulness will rapidly advance.

The cases that have come under treatment have been varied, but as will be seen from the subjoined list are chiefly surgical. A few of the more important ones were admitted into the house, and if their circumstances required it, a small allowance of money was grant- ed to buy rice and fuel. Many more would have gladly availed them- selves of the convenience which the wards afforded, had it been con- sidered expedient at the time to receive them. While speaking upon this subject it may not be out of place to observe, that when the hospitals are not under the surveillance or jurisdiction of Chinese officers, as they have been at Chusan and Macao, there are most pleasing facilities afforded for distributing religious books, and hold- ing free intercourse with the people.

If we may judge from the experience of the past, both here and at Chusan, there appears no want of readiness on the part of the natives to acknowledge the superiority of foreign medical skill, nor any indis- position to avail themselves of the gratuitous aid proffered to them. But until full confidence is experienced, there is a strong and natu ral aversion to submit to operations, or patience sufficiently great to continue for any length of time, the use of the remedies prescribed·