e, to which a fine pool in
front of the buildings adds considerable beauty. A complete set of hot,
cold, vapour, and medicated baths has been fitted up here, with every
accommodation for the public use, the profits arising from which are
appropriated to the support of the institution. A Lunatic Asylum and
Hospital was founded in 1765, and the building was opened for the
reception of patients in the following year. The Dispensary was
established in 1792, and an edifice for its use erected by subscription
adjoining the Infirmary. In 1830, his Majesty, on the solicitation
of the chairman and committee, graciously became the patron of this
institution, which is now styled "The Manchester Royal Infirmary,
Dispensary, Lunatic Hospital, and Asylum." The buildings for these
several uses being previously contiguous, an uniformity of design has
been given to them by facing the front and the north side with stone.
The plan comprehends a principal and a side front, of which the
elevation is strikingly elegant and imposing. (_See the Engraving._)
The principal front has in the centre a lofty and boldly projecting
portico of four fluted Ionic columns, 38 feet high, supporting a
pediment, of which the frieze and cornice are carried round the
building, the angles of which are ornamented with antae of appropriate
character: the side-front is of similar design, differing only in the
slighter projection of the portico, which has but two columns in the
centre, with engaged antae at the angles. The whole building is three
stories high above the basement, and the lower story is channelled in
horizontal lines.
THE ROYAL INSTITUTION
Embracing a variety of objects connected with the pursuits of literature
and science, and the cultivation of the fine arts, originated with a few
public-spirited individuals, in the year 1823, and was soon honoured
with the public, and finally, with royal, patronage, The building, which
has been erected from a design by Mr. Barry, of London, and is of a
durable and richly-coloured stone, from the vicinity of Colne, forms a
splendid addition to the architectural ornaments of the town. It is in
the Grecian style. The principal elevation, (_seen in the Engraving_)
towards Mosley-street, has a noble portico of six lofty columns of the
Ionic order, supporting a rich entablature and pediment in the centre,
on each side of which are columns and pilasters connecting it with the
wings. Above the doors and windows are
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