May 11, 1751 - First Hospital in the North American Colonies Opens
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May 11, 1751 - First Hospital in the North American Colonies Opens
Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Bond Collaborate
Philadelphia doctor Thomas Bond and Benjamin Franklin combine their talents to found the first hospital in the North American British Colonies.
Thomas Bond (May 2, 1712 – March 26, 1784)
The son of Richard Bond and Elizabeth Chew, he was born in Maryland. The family moved to Philadelphia where Thomas became interested in the study of medicine. After initially training in Annapolis, Maryland, he transferred his studies to London, England. His medical knowledge buttressed, he returned to Philadelphia. On his return, he became friends with Benjamin Franklin. He assisted Franklin in his efforts to form the American Philosophical Society. He also joined the Library Company, an organization that Franklin had founded. Bond also served, with Franklin, on the Academy of Philadelphia. The Academy would eventually become the University of Pennsylvania. The two men would collaborate further in 1751 on a humanitarian project of great importance. Upon his return in 1739, he received appointment as Port Inspector for Contagious Diseases.
The Idea
Dr. Bond had seen London hospitals and they had left a favorable impression. Philadelphia, the fastest growing city in the colonies, proved to be a magnet for disease. Immigrants, residents, African slaves and sailors mingled, freely exchanging their diseases. As Port Inspector Bond, he saw these diseases firsthand. He developed the idea that Philadelphia needed a hospital to deal with the physically and mentally infirm. The idea was a novel one in the colonies, and he had trouble selling it to the public. His initial attempts to raise money failed... After repeated entreaties to find out what Mr. Franklin thought of the idea, he approached his friend. Franklin liked the idea and lent his considerable support to the project.
The Idea Becomes Law
Franklin went to work, organized a petition, and soon had thirty-three signers. He presented this petition to the Pennsylvania Assembly on January 20, 1751. After several months of debate, the Assembly passed the resolution. The act established the Pennsylvania Hospital on May 11, 1751.
The Hospital
The hospital opened in early 1752 in the home of John Kinsey, a Quaker and Speaker of the Assembly who had recently died. The east wing of the Pine Building opened in 1755 and steady growth followed. Initially the first floor was the men's ward. Women received treatment on the second floor and the third floor treated servants and all isolation cases. The hospital used the basement to treat the mentally disordered. It served as both a medical facility and a teaching hospital. It had the first surgery amphitheater on the top floor to take advantage of the natural light. The amphitheater could accommodate up to 300 observers. It also housed the first medical library in the Colonies.
Tours
Visitors may tour the Pine Building, which the hospital has preserved and serves as a sort of museum. The medical library is on the second floor. Visitors may see it by making an advance appointment. Both self-guided and guided tours are available.
Call (215) 829-5434 for information.
800 Spruce Street
(Enter By 8Th Street Entrance)
Philadelphia, Pa 19107
(215) 829-3270
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