Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 682

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Report of the Medical Missionary Society.

DEC.

Though the number of in-door patients, 433, bears but a small proportion to the applicants for relief, it is gratifying to remark that it is an increasing one, and that the national reluctance and timidity to be in the house of a foreigner is gradually lessening; and though no allowance is made to patients for subsistence, excepting a sum of a little more than a penny a day to those entirely destitute, many show not only a willingness but a solicitude to be permitted to reside with- in the walls of the hospital, and have readily yielded obedience to the regulations of the institution, which prohibit entirely the smoking of opium, gambling, and idolatrous sacrifices. Two patients have died in the house, and both have been removed and buried by their relations without trouble or any judicial inquiry.

Besides the regular visits of the surgeon, the in-door patients have the constant attendance of native assistants. One of these, called Atsung, first caine under my notice in April, 1840. Though a young man, he was then an opium-smoker of seven years' standing, and much reduced both in his property and health. I promised to cure him of the habit, and to give him employment. Having been re- covered from this dangerous vice, and being found active and inge- nious, and moreover acquainted with three dialects, his services were engaged in the dispensary. In July, 1840, he accompanied Dr. Par- ker to America, and after being kindly instructed in many points, with benefit to his mind, he returned to Macao in March, 1842, and has remained here since usefully occupied. The younger one Apún, aged 19, has been with me for a year and a half; he has a good native education, and possesses now a respectable knowledge of English. Both these are young men of talent, and bid fair from the favorable opportunities that they enjoy, to become better ac- quainted with the principles and practice of medicine and surgery according to modern views, than any of their countrymen. They are receiving instruction daily in all the elementary branches of me- dicine, natural theology, and religion, and with the blessing of God they will erelong prove benefactors to their country.

Before offering any remarks upon the subjoined list of cases, in which I shall confine myself to such as are interesting from some peculiar frequency, or as affording some trait of Chinese character, it is proper here to mention, that my esteemed friend and coadjutor Dr. Lockhart, has for nearly the whole term, kindly given me his assistance in taking three days of the week to prescribe for the out patients. I am also much indebted to him for his advice in important cases, and his readiness to assist at operations.