work, than others; but we may mention one exceptional case, which all
will recognize. From an early period medical pupils were allowed to
visit the Dispensary, in order to study special cases, and the treatment
they received from qualified practitioners. Among these was a young man,
Mr. E. P. Charlesworth, who virtually here received the early part of his
medical education. He afterwards, for some years, practised in
Horncastle; and in Dec., 1807, a resolution of the Governors was passed,
conveying to him their warm thanks for his generosity in relieving poor
patients, often at his own expense, and for his readiness to receive
them, for consultation, at his own residence, and to make up drugs for
them at all hours. He subsequently removed to Lincoln, and became a
noted physician, whose reputation extended considerably beyond the
county. During 33 years he was one of the most active medical advisers
and patrons of the Lincoln Lunatic Asylum; and, after his death in 1853,
a statue of him, in white marble, was erected in the grounds of that
institution.

[Picture: High Street]

All these medical attendants at the Dispensary gave their services
gratuitously until, at a general meeting, held on April 23rd, 1878, a
resolution was passed, that henceforth the two doctors should each be
paid 30 pounds a year, which has been the rule ever since. At that date
the late Dr A. E. Boulton resigned, and Mr. Robert Jalland and Dr. Haddon
were the first to receive this well-merited remuneration, attending to
their duties in alternate months.

Scattered about the minute books of the institution are various notes, of
some interest, from which we here give a selection. On Feb. 23rd, 1790,
the Rev. John Fretwell, "sensible of the distresses of the sick poor,
gave one and a half guineas from the communion money, to be laid out in
salop sago and Bowen's sago powder, to be distributed at the discretion
of the faculty." Nov. 27th, 1790, cases of small pox having occurred in
the town, it was resolved to inoculate all poor persons, free of charge;
and thereafter many names are given of those who underwent the operation.
With this we may compare the following entry as indicating the progress
of medical science during 12 years. June 8th, 1802, an epidemic of small
pox having occurred, and "inoculation becoming general, the Governors
recommend vaccination." A statement was printed for circulation, that in
100,000