Chapter C: Thurlow Smith

_22d February 1821._

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I have observed every thing to commend in the general management of the wards; but the cleanliness and ventilation exceed all expectation.

W. R. CHURCHILL.

_1st March 1821._

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Well may say Shakespeare, “what a piece of work is man!” But deprive that paragon of animals of its reason, and he is a degree below the brute. Who will see the utmost wretchedness of a rational being, and the methods of relieving it, he must go into Bethlem, and admire the charity and the philanthropy of the English.

DR. SPASKY,
From St. Petersburgh.

_3d March 1821._

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Having seen the whole of this extensive establishment, I record the satisfaction experienced from observing the good order, cleanliness, cheerfulness, and comfort, which pervade every part of it.

PHILIP FISHER, D.D.

_15th March 1821._

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By comparing this establishment with every other, in this kingdom, France, and the United States, I feel quite satisfied of its superiority in many respects, and more pleased with the appearance of attention and kindness towards the unfortunate patients.

LEONARD STEWART, M.D.

_23d March 1821._

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We have visited every part of this establishment, and are exceedingly gratified by the admirable arrangements of the whole, on which too much praise cannot be bestowed.

MARQUIS OF WORCESTER,
VISCOUNT BURY,
G. H. DRUMMOND,
THOS. DUNCOMBE,
E. DRUMMOND.

_3d April 1821._

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Having been one of the Committee of the House of Commons appointed to inspect the mad-houses in the year 1814, and having on that occasion seen the state of old Bethlem Hospital, I have had the greatest satisfaction of going over the hospital this day, and seeing the improvements in the general management, and in the health, cleanliness, and comfort of the patients.

THOS. F. LEWIS, M.P.

_7th May 1821._

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After a careful inspection of the hospital, it is impossible to withhold our expression of satisfaction at the order, cleanliness, and arrangement, by which the personal comfort and health of the individuals is secured, with so little personal restraint observed in institutions of a similar nature.

B. BAURENCE,
ARCHIBALD HAMILTON,
PEVENSEY,
WM. DODSON,
P. T. MILDEMAY,
&c. &c. &c.

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Having had a full opportunity to pervade and explore the whole of this most noble establishment, which I had visited twenty-eight years ago, I think it a positive duty of mine to bear testimony of my having been astonished to see how far this hospital has lately been improved, in a great many respects, conducive most efficiently to the noble and generous purpose for which it has been established; improvements which are mostly due to the _actual_ superintendency of the eminently active, and fully able medical gentlemen who are intrusted with it.

RPH. DUXELHAFER,
Conseiller d’Etat, de la Rep. de Berne.

_5th June 1821._

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This is the best establishment of the kind I have seen any where, and comes as near the idea of perfection as I can conceive. I wish it may be taken as a model in foreign countries, and especially in France, where it is much wanted.