Research

Scope and Content Note

Questionnaires provide information on medical facilities and conditions in poorhouse hospitals.

Officials from poorhouses completed these four-page questionnaires and submitted them to the Board. Each form contains the following information about poorhouse hospital facilities: amount of space; amount and type of facilities, including special facilities such as those for surgery or quarantine; names and salaries of medical personnel; dietary practices and kitchen facilities; sanitary conditions; heating, plumbing, and other utilities; number of patients in the past year; number of deaths, and the causes; number of recoveries; and number currently being treated and their illnesses.

The following general information about the poorhouse itself is also provided: number of male and female inmates; number of inmates capable of working; number of births in the past year; number of insane, retarded, and epileptics; and suggestions for improvements or changes in the institution.