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Communication.

Stillman Infirmary.

We invite all members of the University to contribute to this column, but we are not responsible for the sentiments expressed. Every communication must be accompanied by the name of the writer.

To the Editors of the Crimson:

Numerous interrogations as to whether the Stillman Infirmary is yet open, if it is in running order, if it has yet accommodated any patients, etc., lead me to ask the CRIMSON to publish the following facts.

The Infirmary was opened at the beginning of the College year. It has so far accommodated eighteen patients. Eight of these have been surgical, half of which have required operation. One man might have lost his life if it had not been for the Stillman Infirmary, and the father of the patient has written a letter of warmest appreciation, in which he says: "If anything were needed to completely cement my attachment to Harvard, this furnishes it." Of the medical cases the most serious is one of typhoid fever. He is doing very well, however, so far.

These facts should be sufficient demonstration that the Infirmary is already rendering efficient service. The increase in sickness of the winter months will broaden its field of usefulness. It is to be hoped that the splendid gift of Mr. Stillman, which has made possible the offer of the University to provide bed, board and nursing at the Infirmary for the nominal sum of four dollars, may meet with a response which will at least reach the two thousand registrations necessary to put the plan into operation. Such a sick insurance is an opportunity of which many individuals in the world at large would be glad to avail themselves. Before any student decides not to send his registration card to the Bursar's office, would it not be well for him to consider the possibility of illness in his own case, or, if good fortune keep him well, the help his four dollars will be toward the general fund for the care of those poor fellows who do get ill; and further, the possibility that he as a member of the student body, may owe it to Mr. Stillman to show his appreciation of the generous purpose of the Infirmary? M. H. BAILEY.

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