edford, after which, at the request of
the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess of Wales formally declared the
Nursing Home to be open.

The Medical College was then visited, and in the new library an address
was presented by the President. The Prince of Wales, in acknowledging
the address, said:--

"Your Royal Highness and Gentlemen,--The Princess and myself
thank you for your address, and can assure you that we have much
pleasure in coming here to-day to open the nursing home and
college buildings of this important institution. The Hospital,
which is the largest civil one in the United Kingdom, which
contains 800 beds and which supplied medical and surgical
assistance to 80,000 out-patients last year, may be regarded
almost in the light of a national institution, as every
description of case, excepting those of an infectious or
incurable nature, is admitted. Such a Hospital cannot fail to be
of inestimable value to the population of over a million persons
residing in its vicinity, and especially to the labouring class,
who are so extensively employed in connection with the railways
and docks. But it has other and additional claims upon public
sympathy and assistance. First, although its annual expenditure
amounts to nearly L50,000, it is mainly supported by voluntary
contributions; secondly, it has undertaken the difficult task of
improving the system of nursing and of providing a higher class
of nurses, with better discipline and superior training and
instruction. To effect this object house accommodation was
essential, and instead of closely-packed dormitories the new
home provides separate rooms, a cheerful dining hall, and other
advantages, all tending to brighten the lives of the inmates,
while reserving for them the necessary quiet and rest.

"The new library and buildings which I am now about to declare
open belong to a college over 100 years old. It was the first in
the Metropolis in which a complete curriculum was established,
and being attached to the largest Hospital in the country, and
situated in the midst of the most populous artisan neighbourhood
in London, it offers greater facilities for the acquirement of
medical and surgical knowledge than perhaps any other college of
a scientific character. I understand that among the important
duties which the students perform are thos