Page:Introductory lecture delivered at the Middlesex Hospital, October 1st, 1877 (IA b22447258).pdf/4

4 given up their Committee Room for the reception of patients, and it seems strange to relate how the business of the institution was conducted at "The Turk's Head," "The Bear and Rummer," and other neighbouring taverns.

But the Hospital had to accommodate itself to the needs of a growing neighbourhood, and a site for a new building was chosen in "Marybone Fields," the first stone being laid by the Earl of Northumberland, on the 15th of May, 1755.

History informs us that this stone was laid whilst a fierce thunderstorm raged over London; and the painting by Pine in the "Board Room," depicting the ceremony, truly represents this scene. But the painter, with that suggestive genius belonging to his art, has, I see, introduced into his work a distant gleam of sunshine, fit emblem of the light of that skill and the warmth of that charity which ever characterise the noble profession you are entering to-day, and which we know full well have not been lacking in those who, for more than a century, have manfully striven within these walls to dispel the darkness of sin and the gloom of human misery and suffering.

The celebrated David Garrick, more than once, aided the funds of the Institution by giving benefit plays. I cannot refrain from speaking of another illustrious man—the famous composer Handel. His musical performances about this time were the means of placing in the hands of the Treasurer over £1000. Although we cannot now learn whether Handel himself conducted on any of these