Dr. ROBBINS’ 
DISCOURSE 
TO THE 
HUMANE 
JUNE- 14th, 175^. A 
DISCOURSE 
delivered before the 
HUMANE SOCIETY 
OF THE 
COMMONWEALTH of MASSACHUSETTS, 
AT THEIR SEMIANNUAL MEETING, 
JUNE 14th, 1796- 
CHANDLER ROBBINS, D.D. 
MINISTER OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN PLYMOUTH* 
“This my Son was dead, and is alive again.” Luke, xr. 24. 
BOSTON: 
Printed by THOMAS FLEET, JUN. AT THI BIBLE & MF.AXT CORNBIIU 
MDCCXCVK At a fc mi-annual meeting of the Humane 
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the fecond 
ci uefday in fane, 1796, 
VOTED, That the firfl Vice-President, Honourable 
Judge Paine, Reverend Prefident Willard, Thomas 
Davis, Efq; and Aaron Dexter, M.D. be a Committee 
to wait on the Reverend Dr. Robbins, and return him the 
thanks of this Society for his ingenious and pathetic difcourfe 
this day delivered at their requejl, and Jolicit a copy of the 
fame for the prefs. 
A true Copy of Record, 
Atteji. 
JOHN AVERY, Recording Secretary. 
To the VICE-PRESIDENTS, TRUSTEES, and MEMBERS 
OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY 
or the COMMONWEALTH of MASSACHUSETTS, 
THIS DISCOURSE 
tS RKSTECTFULLT DEDICATED, 
»y THEIR BROTHER, 
THE AUTHOR, A 
DISCOURSE, 
WITHOUT any claim to medical knowledge—o| 
offering an apology for Teeming to intrude upon the province, 
of the Phyfician ; I fhall, at the call of the humane society, 
fubmit to this refpedlable audience, a few obfervations, 
which the occafion has fuggefted : Encouraged at the fame 
time, by this confoling reflexion, that the friends of human- 
ity are never Grangers to candor.. 
From the nature and defign of this Inftitution, as well as 
from an article in the regulations of the fociety, it might 
be expeffed, and there would feem, indeed, to be a pro- 
priety, on the prefent occafion, that the fpcaker fhould 6 
Tele#, for his theme, fome fubjcd, conncded with, what is 
termed, philofophical anatomy—which would lead him to 
conlider the wonderful conftrudion of the human frame—* 
to trace the admirable wifdom and powrerof the great Crea- 
tor, in the curious formation of its various parts—in the 
wife adjuftment of the organs eflential to life—and in the 
whole contexture of the animal fyftem; thereby leading 
our minds from nature, up to nature’s God ; and exciting us, 
with pious admiration and reverence, to acknowledge with 
the Pfalmift, that, truly “we are fearfully and Wonderfully 
made.” 
This branch, however, feems more immediately to be- 
long to our brethren, the friends of philofophy and the 
medical art. They have, accordingly, on thefe anniverfarics, 
gratified the public, by difplaying no lefs philanthropy than 
ingenuity, in their elfays on this fubject. 
To our profeflion it belongs, in harmonious concurrence 
with them, yet in another way, to promote the fame gene- 
ral defign, by pointing out the duties, and urging the obli- 
gations of religion and morality,* and by exciting our fel- 
low men, to all thofe ads of benevolence and humanity, 
which have for their objed, the alleviation of themiferies— 
the prefervation of the lives—and the promoting the comfort 
and happinefs of mankind. 7 
Whatever diverfity of nation, or language—of man« 
ners, occupation or circum(lances, may exift among men—r 
or, however they may differ in their habits, or profeflion— 
in their political or religious opinions; yet, as human beings, 
we are all under the common law of benevolence and love ; 
from the obligations of this law, vre can never be abfolved, 
while focicty exifls ; and while reafon diftinguifhes man 
from the lower orders in creation. For nature teaches, 
what chrifiianity confirms, that the whole human race are 
brethren. They conftitute one family—are derived from 
the fame common Parent, the Creator and Father of all. 
In what way then, can we more fuitably exprefs that friendly 
affection, which fuch a relation implies and enjoins, than by 
a cheerful readinefs to every ad of kindnefs and benefi- 
cence towards one another; and efpecially, by flying to 
the relief of the difireffed, and employing every means in 
our power, to comfort our brethren when in adverfity. 
For it is written, in 
Proverbs, xvii Chap. 17th Verse. 
(< A Friend loveth at all times, and a Brother is 
BORN FOR ADVERSITY.” 
Striking words!—and full of ufeful inflrucfiion !—Be this 
our prefent theme. And may it be our highdl ambition, 
in our focial and individual capacities, to realize the text 
in practical life—to exemplify the divine maxim, in all 
our conduct. 8 
The leffon here given us, is fhort. Do the words 
require any particular explanation ? It is barely poffible 
their meaning may be mifapprehended ; Efpecially, as the 
fame mode of expreftion is ufed in the facrcd writings, to 
convey a very different idea from that in the text—-viz. to 
fignify one who, from his very birth, feems appointed to 
adverfity and forrow. Thus wc read, “ Man is born to 
trouble, as the fparks to fly upward.’* This phrafe, though 
fimilar in words, yet differs widely in its import, from the 
former j as the connexion of the palfagc will evince. The 
meaning of our text cannot be that “ a brother is born for 
adverfity,” ill his own perfon * but for the aid and comfort 
of others in their afflidion and trouble. 
The idea may be illufirated by a thoufand familiar inflam; 
ces in common life. How frequently do wc fay, of an 
affedionate and dutiful son, he was born for the folace and 
fupport of his parents in their declining age ?—Of a Wash- 
ington, how common and how juft the remark, that he 
was born to lead the armies—to prefide in the councils— 
and to be a chief inftrument in promoting the independence* 
peace and glory of America. 
These obfervations, it is prefuriicd, arc fufficient td 
illuftrate and fix the meaning of our text “ A brother is born 
for adverfity.” Only, it will be remembered, that we are, 
by no means, to confine the term brother, to children derived 9 
from the fame immediate parents ; any more than the term 
neighbour, to thole in the immediate vicinity : Which con- 
tracted fenfe, our Savior, has exprefsly difapproved, when, 
in anfwer to a certain queriff, he has taught us to confider 
the whole human race, as included in that friendly appella- 
tion. By the fame rule, we are warranted to confider our 
fcllowmen of every place, and every defeription, as our 
brethren—to feel ourfelves under obligation to univerfal 
benevolence; and particularly, to lend them every aid in 
our power, when they are under adveffity; For ibis were we 
born—for this as one important defign of our Creator, were 
we placed in fociety—For this, did the Parent of the univer- 
fal family implant in our breads, the tender, focial affect- 
ions—ln fine, for this, hath he befiowed upon us the boun- 
ties of his providence; that, as faithful fiewards, we may 
difpenfe them, as opportunities arife* for the relief and com- 
fort of our differing brethren. 
And can we ever Be at a lofs for opportunities, or objects, 
for the cxercife of this beneficence ? Where can wc turn 
bur eyes, but fubjeds of difirefs, of w'ant or mifery prefent 
themfclves to our view ? Whofc piteous condition cries, in 
language irrefifiablc, for commifcration and affiftance from 
their fellow men. 
To attempt an enumeration of the various kinds of adver- 
ty to which our brethren of the human race are incident, would 10 
be a talk, as endlcfs, as it would be painful. We find, thap 
no clafs of men are exempted—no dtuation in life, however 
elevated by profperity, is fecure againd the drokes ofadver- 
dty and various woes. It would be drange, indeed, if per- 
Jonal experience hath not produced convidHon of this for- 
rowful truth, in every bread:. And dranger dill, fhould 
any have become fo callous to human miferics, as not to 
have felt the mod painful fympathy at the fufferings of others. 
Such wrere the fympathetic feelings, which, at fird, gavp 
origin to Humane Societies, and to this in particular. 
Senfations, too powerful to be fupprefled, dimulated a num- 
ber of benevolent minds, a few years pad, to form this Indi- 
tution. Since which period, many others, adluated by the 
fame generous principle, have been added to the number. 
What an honor, my brethren—what a priviledge is it to be 
enrolled as members of a Society, whofe profeded objcdl is 
the relief of differing Humanity !—ln comparifon with fuch 
an honor, what are all the boafted titles of royalty—or the 
orders of nobility or knighthood, but empty founds—or 
glittering baubles, for the amufement of children ? 
It may feem drange, in contemplating this fubjedt, that 
the inditution of Humane Societies, the mod truly noble and 
godlike that ever originated in the wifdom and benevolence 
pf man, fhould, yet, be of fo modern a birth. Until with- 11 
in the period of an hundred years, it is prefumed, they were 
wholly unknown. In ages pad, a bare proportion to at- 
tempt to reanimate a brcathlefs fubjeCt, would, no doubt* 
have excited, not only furprize, but even ridicule. But 
thanks to the great author of our beings, fo numerous, and 
fo well attefted are the evidences of the faCt, -that they have 
equally eftablifhed the principle, and aftonilhed the world. 
But, if the world have been aftoniflied at the hiftory, only, 
of thefe things, what mu ft have been the feelings of chofe, 
who have been perfonalty interefted in thefe tender feenes 2: 
They may be imagined—they can never be deferibed. 
To have a child—or>brother—a fond parent, or an inti- 
mate friend—perhaps the partner of our bofoms, unexpect- 
edly reftored to our embraces, after we had, in apprehenfion, 
taken a final farewel of them, as to this worldwe can 
eafily conceive, muft occafion fuch a flood of joy, fuch a 
tranfport of pleafure, as nearly to diftblve the human frame. 
Yet, how many have experienced this inexprcffible delight 
and fatisfadtion, fince the formation of Humane Societies* 
both in Europe and America ? So great we are told, wras 
" the fuccefs of the fociety eftablifticd in Great Britain in 
1774, that within ten years from its firft inftitution, out of 
1300 perfons, apparently dead from drowning, 790 were 
reftored to their friends and their country.”—And have not 
the humane exertions of our own fociety, though yet in its 12 
infancy, been crowned with a fuccefs fully equal to our rea- 
fonable expe<flations; and fuch, as muft have given the molt 
heartfelt pleafure to its benevolent founders. 
What new wonders, my brethren, do we behold, continu- 
ally riling in our American world, under the providential go- 
vernment of the great Supreme! What a furpriling progrefs 
of the human mind, in improvements for the benefit of man- 
kind I We have fecn with aftpniftiment, the efforts of genius 
in individuals—We have teen facie ties, formed for cultivating 
the fields of fcience—for encouraging philofophical rcfearches 
-—for promoting the ufeful arts of agriculture, navigation and 
commerce—and for advancingvianufaftures of various kinds. 
-—lnftitutions we have feen eftablifhed, for refeuirg from 
oblivion, hijlorical events and anecdotes, which while they 
conduce to the benefit, will afford a pleafing entertainment 
to pofferity.—We have feen, likewife, with pleafure, focie- 
ties formed for the noble purpofe of carrying the glad tidings 
of the Gospel to heathen countries, and extending the 
bleftings of its falvation, to barbarous nations.—ln a word, 
we have beheld regular inftitutions for making further dis- 
coveries and improvements in the healing art ,• a fcience of 
the greater importance, as it is fo nearly connected with the 
lives of human beings.—But when, my brethren, or where, 
till within the prefent century, have we feen or heard of fo- 
cicties formed for—l will not fay raiftng the dead—This J3 
would be going too far ,• and is the prerogative of Jehovah 
alone—but for rekindling the vital lamp, after it had been, 
to all appearance, totally cxtinguifhcd ?—for calling back 
to life and enjoyment, a human being, who, apparently, had 
breathed his laft; and who, in former ages, would have 
been configned, without hefitation or hope, to the manfions 
of the Dead !—Humanity drops a tear at the painful rer 
flection, that, in all probability, thoufands have, in this way, 
met an untimely grave, and (as a brother has juftly obferved 
before me) have been " literally buried alive.” More 
painful flili, is the reflection, fhould we admit the idea, 
which is at leafl, poflible, that they may have <f fufl'ered all 
the horrors of inevitable death, attended with a confcioufncfls 
of their own terrible fituation.” 
But wc will draw a veil over fo diflrefling an idea, and 
only lament the involuntary ignorance of our predcccflbrs.—- 
Such was the wife decree of Heaven, that to after ages was 
referved the important, the plcafing difeovery, that life is, 
not to be defpaircd of, even after all voluntary motion has 
ccafcd, and a total fufpenfion has taken place, of all the ani- 
mal functions. With what grateful admiration fhould we 
adore that all-gracious and merciful Being, who has com- 
municated fiich a Angular difeovery to the world ! And with 
what alliduity and zeal fliould wc endeavor to make flili 
further improvements upon it, as it may doubtlcfs be ear- 
ned to a much greater degree of perfection. T4 
Medical ftudics and difquifttions belong, indeed, more 
Immediately, to a diftin6t order in fociety ; but in their con- 
fcquences, every clafs of citizens is or may be very deeply 
interefted. For inftartce ; a bold theorift in medicine, fond 
of originality, and of treading an unbeaten path, may pufh 
his inveftigations, and carry his experiments fo far, in order 
to afeertain a favorite {peculation, that the refult may prove 
fatal to the unhappy patient ; who dies a victim to the rafh-* 
nefs and folly (to call it by no fevercr name) of the too ad- 
venturous phylician. 
How common is the obfcrvation,that among all the pro- 
feftions, none is more ufeful or more dangerous, than that of 
medicine. Ufeful, in the hands of the wife and fkilful ; but 
dangerous in the extreme, in the hands of quacks and impof- 
tors. It mu ft therefore, give great fatisfadlion to the friends 
of humanity to obferve thofe rapid improvements in the 
healing art, which, of late, have been made, and are ftill 
making, in this country ; and the laudable exertions which 
are ufed, to guard the profeftion from the intrufion, and the 
mifehievous efteefts of ignorant pretenders. 
While with pleafure, we contemplate this important fub- 
je6l, have we not fometimes, almoft become profelytes to am 
opinion, which has been advanced, f( That in fome future 
period a remedy will be found out for all the difeafes and  
pains to which mankind are now fubjedd’ The idea is a 
plpafing one. But I believe, after all, it muft be conceded, 
that there is more benevolence, than folid, rational ground 
for fuch a conjecture ; and that, when medical improve- 
ments fhall have arrived at the higheft degree of perfection 
to which human fagacity can attain, the law of mortality 
will dill baffle the power of medicine ; and the human body 
muft fall a victim to the univerfal deftroyer Death. For 
experience confirms, what infpiration teaches us, that “ there 
is no difeharge in that war”—And that “ it is appointed to 
men once to die.” Hence we find, after the utmoft exer- 
tions to ward off the ftroke, death, uncontrouled by human 
art—and deaf to the cries of furrounding friends, is continu- 
ally making his ravages among us ; and our deareft connex- 
ions are torn from our fight—and fometimes, with circurcu 
ftances attended with affeCling aggravations. 
On this occafion, the Humane Society would exprefs their 
grief, and their fympathy with their fellow citizens, at the 
rccolleCHon of the unufual number of ihipwrecks, and lofs 
of the lives of fo many of our feafaring brethren, on this 
coaft, fince our laft anniverfary. Ah ! poor failors ! ar- 
rived within fight of their native fhorc—fondly imagining 
the dangers of the voyage were over—preparing to fly to, 
the arms of their families and friends—Dreadful Revcrfe 1 
at once, to have all their hopes loft, and thcmfclves whelm- 16 
ed in a watry grave ! O ! how does humanity weep at the fad 
recital I weep, that it was not in her power to reach forth her 
benevolent arm to refeue them in the agonies of death, and 
fhatch them from the relentlefs waves !—But—God wa* 
there ! Let this confideration quiet our minds, and hufh to; 
filence every repining thought ! Let it calm the grief of 
their furviving friends ; whofe hearts have been rent with 
anguifh, at the unexpected and awful cataftrophe! Yes, 
afflicted friends I—when all other hopes were gone, Heaven 
faw their fituation—He knew their furrows, and heard 
their cries. And, O comforting reflection ! He was both 
if able” and willing, even at the “ eleventh hour”—at the 
lafl moment, “ to five to the uttermoll,” their immortal, 
their better part. And that he did fo, we have the fulleft 
afllirance, from his own word, if, with their dying breath, 
they cat themfclves upon his infinite mercy, through the 
atoning merits of a gracious Redeemer: Whofe language, 
in fuch a cafe, to each of them, was, u To day thou fflalt 
with me in paradife.” . 
Among all the fons of adverfity, few, (I believe it will bd 
allowed) hrrve a juftcr claim to the humane attention, and 
timely exertions of their brethren, than that valuable clafs 
of men, our feafaring friends. Their employment, emi- 
nently ufcful and important to fociety, is, at all times, haz- 
ardous—peculiarly fo, in the feverity of winter. Their •7 
fuderings at that feafon, efpecially when coming upon this 
coad, it is well known, are oftentimes extreme. Of their 
dangers, few can form any tolerable idea, who have never, 
in any degree, experienced them. It may naturally be fup- 
pofed, the fpeaker is a very incompetent perfon to attempt 
a defeription of the dangers and fufferings to which feamcn 
areexpofed. He freely acknowledges it. Yet he imagines he 
can, in fome fmall degree at lead:, conceive of them. And, 
could he fuppofe it might tend to excite greater compaf- 
fjon, and kindle a warmer flame of generous philanthropy 
in the breads of this humane aflembly, towards that enter- 
prizing race of men—Or, were he allured that the intro- 
duction of an occurrence fo perfonal, would be cxcufed, on 
fuch an occalion as this, he would willingly explain himfelf. 
The candor of his brethren, will, however, indulge him 
fo far as to fay, he Ihould have rcafon, while he lived, to 
reproach himfelf with the bated ingratitude to Heaven”, 
were he ever to forget the horrors of a difmal night, not 
long fince; in which, fifteen fouls, befldes himfelf, were 
expofed to momentary deflruction in this bay, and not far 
from the entrance of this harbor ; in one of the molt violent 
dorms of fnow, that this country has ever witnefied. The 
darknefs of the night increaling the terrors of the dorm, the 
company impatiently waited for day ; hoping to difeover 
fome means of relief. But alas I when day light appeared, 
we might with propriety, fay, in the language of feripture. is 
*f Behold the morning was as the lhadow of death !” The 
growing violence of the ftorm rendered it as impofiible to 
difeover the land, as if it were midnight. Unable to keep 
the fea any longer, no alternative now remained, but to 
run the veflel for the {bore, fall where it might. And when, 
by general confent, this was determined upon, as the laft 
refource ; orders were by the mailer immediately given. 
And now a few moments mult decide ourdelliny. Gracious 
Heaven ! what a folemn interval ! In dread fufpenfe what 
the event would be 1 The apprehenlion in each one’s mind 
was, perhaps never before, fo real, that in all probability, 
we Ihould foon know, fome of us at leall, what the agonies 
of death by drowning were—and what, to launch into the 
prefence of our Maker, God ! 
The moment, at length arrives, when Heaven propi- 
tious, appears for our relief. The vclfel falling between 
two ledges of rocks, llruck upon a fandy bottom ; but 
with fuch violence, and at the dillance of more than an 
hundred yards from the fhore, that it was apprehended 
fhc would foon go to pieces by the fury of the furf. Inftant 
recourfe was therefore had to the boat—and though it was 
with the greateft difficuly, and the attempt extremely haz- 
ardous, yet, by this means, through the mercy of God, 
every foul was, finally, landed fafe on the Ihore.—-Little 
did we imagine, however, the dangers which Hill awaited 
us. Wet and cold—on a dcfolate beach—without any I9 
flicker—the ftorm increafing—not knowing the fhore on 
which we were landed—or what courfc to fleer for a houfe. 
i 
In this ficuation we roamed about a mile, when we difeo- 
vered a fmall, miferable hut, without an inhabitant, erected 
by fome gunners and fifhermen, for a temporary conve- 
nience. In this, we flickered ourfelves for a while, from the 
violence of the florm—till at length, by means, to us wholly 
unexpected, which I forbear particularly to mention (hav- 
ing been, I fear, too long already, in the detail) we were all 
happily relieved from our fufpence; and after travelling 
four miles, in that expofed condition, we arrived, under the 
conduCl of a guide, to a lonely, but hofpitable family,* the 
only dwelling houfe on the Peninfula; where we received 
every attention our fituation called for, and which humanity 
and friendfhip could beftow. 
This incidental narration, it is hoped, will find an apo- 
logy in the candor of this audience—and that it will be 
viewed, as not altogether foreign from the prefent occafion; 
as it naturally fuggefts to us the following remarks. 
It exhibits, at leaft, a fmall picture of the diftrefs and 
dangers to which our feafaring brethren are expofed on 
this coaft, efpecially in the ftormy months. 
It confirms the propriety and importance of the mea- 
fures our Society have adopted (and which, I am told, were 
fuggefted by this very difafter) in providing fmall Hutts, 
i Mr* Burgis, keeper of the Lightdipufe on the Gurnet, near Plymouth. 20 
with fuitaable accommodations, in different parts of our 
fhores, for the comfort of thofe unhappy perfons who may 
meet with fimilar misfortunes. 
It reminds us, generally, of the neceflity of ufmg every 
poflible means to alleviate the fuffcrings, and prevent the 
lofs of the lives of fhipwrecked mariners.—The fmall build- 
ing which proved fo feafonable a refuge for the diffreffed 
company before mentioned, was, indifputably, the means, 
under God, of preferving the lives of fome, if not the whole 
of that company: As it would have been impofliblc for them, 
in their fituation, to have reached the neareft inhabited 
dwelling—which was not lefs than five miles d iff ant j and 
the courfc obffrudled by creeks; the waters of which were 
not fufficiently frozen, to admit of a paffage over them. 
And while upon this fubjeft, I would beg leave to fub- 
mitto the Directors of this Society, whether the increafing 
the number of thefe fmall houfes, in other expofed parts of 
our coaffs, might not prove of cflential benefit, in anfvvcr- 
ing the charitable purpofes of the inftitution. The haplcfs 
failor, my brethren, may blefs you, as long as he lives, as 
the means, under providence, of refeuing from death, a life, 
infinitely dear to him, and a life, which ought to be pre- 
cious to every member of the community. 
I am fenffble, our funds, though happily increafing, arc 
not yet fufficient to embrace every objedl to which the So- 
ciety would, with pleafure, extend their beneficence. Other-  
wife, I am perfwaded, every fpecies of human did refs, with- 
in their knowledge, would command their aid. But, from 
what we have already received, and from the confidence we 
have in the liberality of our generous and humane fellow- 
citizens, we flatter ourfelves, the Society will foon be able, 
from the encreafe of their funds, to gratify their own, and 
the widies of the public, by extending their benevolence to 
other objects, than to thofe, to which, for want of that aid* 
their exertions have hitherto been confined. 
And fmcc we arc not this day pleading our own, but the 
caufe of difrrefled humanity, we may be allowed to fay, 
when we look around, and behold fo numerous and refped- 
able an afiembly of our fellow citizens, convened with us 
on this occafion, W'e arc perfwaded we fhall have a pleating 
evidence, that they poffcfs, not that cold charity, whofe lan- 
guage is, fC Be ye warmed, and he ye cloathed"—but that 
they will rejoice in an opportunity to gratify the benevolent 
feelings of their hearts, by contributing, as far as in their 
power, for the relief of their brethren in adverhty. 
And while in our facial capacity, we faithfully apply the 
benefactions of the public, and endeavour to deferve the cha- 
racter by which this fociety is denominated ; let us, as indi- 
viduals, at all times ad, agreeably to our theme, as Brethren 
to the human race. Let us be felicitous to do all the good 
we can, ferving God and our generation, according to his 
will. And, to animate and excite us to a faithful difeharge 22 
of our duty, let us remember, this is not our abiding place; 
That we muff Ihortly pals off the ftage of life, as we have 
feen others, who have gone before us—and that we muff, 
each one, render an account of all our condu(ff, to the 
fupreme Judge, who will “ reward every man, according as 
his works ftiall be.” 
But—what is this, that arreffs our attention here ? that 
feems to damp, in a degree, the joy of this day—to caff a 
gloom over the pleafuresof this Anniversary !—Reflection 
bids me paufe a moment and afks, Where is the Man, 
who hath fo long prefided, with fuch affable and pleafing dig- 
nity, at the head of this Society ? Whence is it that his feat 
is, this day, empty ?. Alas 1 Russell, the humane, the 
generous, is no more ! The filent tomb—that abode of dark- 
nefs, hides from our view, his mortal part—and his fpirit 
has returned to God who gave it.” 
Ah 1 my brethren! Could virtue—could diffinguifhed 
philanthropy and benevolence have refeued their faithful 
votary from the grave, Russell had ftill furvived, and his 
cheerful prefence added joy to this foiemnity, Could the 
exquifitc grief of the folitary partner—could the anguifli of 
affectionate children—or the forrows of a venerable parent, 
bowed with age and affliction—could the tears of tender 
connexions and numerous friends—could the undiffembled 
lamentations of the widow and the fatherlefs—in a word, 
could the cries of the poor and indigent, whofe wants were 23 
fupplied by his bounty—whofe forrows were relieved by his 
munificence—could thefe, unitedly, have availed to avert 
the fudden, the fatal ftroke ; their friend—their benefaftor 
had not, fo foon, fallen a viftim to the king of terrors.—- 
The ftcady patriot—the encourager of arts and fcience—- 
the patron of every liberal and humane infdtution—-the 
friend of virtue and religion—the man whofe generous and 
judicious charities have extended his fame, and have given 
luftre to the name of Russell—would Rill have lived to 
blefs his country and his friends; and to confirm the truth 
of our text, that <c A friend lovelh at all times, and a brother. 
IS BORN FOR ADVERSITY.” 
But, ccafe ye mourners ! Heaven- is juft—is merciful ! 
And, for diftinguilhed benevolence and virtue, Heaven 
has infured a more glorious rccompence of reward, than the 
tears of friendfhip—the eulogies of mortals—or all the 
riches aad honors that earth can beftow. And that blefled 
Savior, whofe needy friends have been relieved by pious 
charity, will fay to their benefa&ors, in the laft, great day, 
“ Inafmuch as ye have done it, to these my brethren, 
ye have done it unto me.” 
To clofe the fubjeeft—let it be our earned care to imi- 
tate the example of thofe, who have gone before us in the 
paths of religion and humanity—above all, the example of 
him who loved the race of man fo well, that he, not only 
rilked his own to fave the lives of others (which many 24 
have humanely done) but who actually loft, or rather gave up 
his own life, to recover us from death, and procure for us a 
final refufeitation to an immortal life ofhappinefs and glory. 
The time of our continuance in the prefent ftate of being 
is ftiort. The dictates of w'ifdom and prudence unite with 
the folemn counfels of Revelation, to admonifti us, to pro- 
vide in feafon, for our laft remove. How important the 
fubject !—And O! how fupporting is the thought, that wdien 
all human means ftiall fail—when the laft efforts of friends 
and phyficians ftiall prove ineffectual—and the ftroke of 
death muft put a period to our prefent mode of exiftence— 
the Gospel of Christ difclofes a remedy for our better 
part—and opens a bright feene of glory beyond the grave, 
for all the lincere followers of the Lamb. And as this 
Gospel contains the ftrongeft reafons for our faith, and the 
moft powerful motives for the practice of Religion ; fo it 
furnifhes us with the fureft and moft folid grounds of fup- 
port, under the afflictions and forrows of the prefent life ,j 
and affures us, that when this ftiort ftate of trial ftiall clofe,. 
they who are truly wife, ftiall enter upon a new, a holy and 
permanent ftate of exiftence—where objects of diftrefs ftiall 
no more pain their hearts—where life, free from every 
bitter ingredient, ftiall be enjoyed in higheft perfection, 
and through an endlefs duration. For “ there ftiall be no 
more death, neither forrow, nor crying—and all tears ftiall 
be wiped from their eyes.” Amen. APPENDIX. 
25 
The frujiees have received the following Communications 
fence their laft Publication. 
I. 
'LETTaiA from William Hawes, Regi/ler of the Royal Humane Society 
in London to the Correfponding Secretary. 
Sir, 
London, June 23, 1795. 
J[ T is with great pleafure I embrace the prefent opportunity to 
prefent to the Humane Society of Maffachufetts a richer harveft 
than ufual, viz. 
The ill Vol. of the Tranfadlions of the Royal Humane Society. 
Doft. Fothergill’s Elfay on the Sufpenfion of vital Adlion. 
Rev. Do<fl. Rennell’s Anniverfary Sermon. 
Annual Report, &c. &c. See. 
To the philanthropies of that life faving Inftitiitlon there is every 
realon to hope that fome of the above will afford infinite fatisfadion ; 
and there is almoft a certainty that the interefting fuhjed of fufpended 
animation will in procefs of time be advanced, very much advanced 
by the Gentlemen of the faculty of the Maffachufetts Humane Society. 
It is hardly necelfary for me to add what pleafure your copies of an- 
nual difeourfes afford me, and the adive friends of our Society ; and 
that we hope to be conflantly favoured with the fame. Our views 
are in every refped the fame—the prefervation of life and the advance- 
ment of medical knowledge. Such views will ever unite our Societies 
in the mod permanent bonds of friendfhip. 
I am, Sir, your’s mod refpedfully, 
WILLIAM HAWES, 
Rev. Dr. Parker, Correfponding Secretary 
of the Humane Society of Maffachufetts. 2fc 
APPpN D I X. 
11. 
Letter from Mr. Zebina Stebbins, of Springfield., dated January 6, 179(5> to 
the Correjponding Secretary, upon an unfuccefsful attempt to refufeitate a Child, 
Springfield, Bth January, 1796. 
Sir, 
X HAVE now to communicate to the Society an unfuccefsfu! 
attempt to refufeitate a child of Mr. Henry Rogers of Wcft-Springfield, 
fome time in Auguft laft, about thirty months old. He was playing 
about the mother, while wafhing on the bank of the river, {he went up 
to the houfe, and fuppofed the child followed her. She thinks in about 
15 or 20 minutes, the child was brought up to her drowned. It mull 
have waded into the river beyond its depth, as there was no boat or any 
thing of the kind, from which it could fall. A young man, named 
Patrick Morgan, being below, faw fomething floating down on the fur- 
face of the water of an uncommon appearance, fwam out about three 
rods, where the water was at leaft ten feet deep, and brought it on fliore. 
I happened that moment to walk down to the river, on the oppofite fliore, 
heard the cry of a child being drowned. Suppofe I eroded the river 
and was with the child in 15 or 20 minutes. On viewing it and en- 
quiring into the circumftances and time it had been in the water, had no 
do doubt of being able to reftore it to life again. I had the afflftance of 
feveral exceeding good women in the operation. We ftripped it imme- 
diately, put it into foft blankets on a warm bed, began moderate fric- 
tion on the back, bread: and limbs with flannels fprinkled with warm 
fplrits, ointed the temples, applied volatiles to the nofe, threw up tobacco 
fmoak into the body repeatedly. A tobacco pipe was firft made ufe 
of without much fuccefs : I then took the ftalk of a feed onion, cut the 
leaft end to enter a clyfter pipe, then cut it nearly off at the bulge, 
leaving a part to operate as a hinge, then filled the bulge with ftrong 
tobacco, put a fmall coal on the top of it, then {hut the tube, and by 
blowing in at the end could throw up large quantities of fmoak. I 
mention this, that fliould it fo happen that no inftrument is to be had 
for that purpofe, one of this kind may anfwer nearly as well 
When I firft faw the child, I thought I had an opportunity of doing 
credit to the Society, as the body was not cold or the limbs ftilf, or 
the blood fettled, as is common. Soon after the fridlion was begun, it 
dilcharged a confiderable quantity of white frothy matter from the 
noilrils, which continued almoft the wrhole time of the procefs, which 
was about three hours, when the body grew cold, and the limbs ftiff. 
There muft have been fome fatal circumftance attending it’s drown- 
ing ; what it was am at a lofs to conjecture ; it could not have been 
wounded in falling into the water; and why it Ihould fwim on it’s face APPENDIX. 
27 
Cn the furface of the water for fo long a time ? It is probable that it did 
not fmk at all, or continue under water long, from the diftance that it 
had floated down. Why fuch a quantity of frothy matter fhould iffue 
from the noftrils, and no mucus from the mouth ? There appeared to 
be an entire collapfion of the veiTels, particularly of the lungs. I at- 
tempted to inflate them fundry times with a good tube, but could not 
raife the cheft. After every means had been ufed without any appear- 
ance of fuccefs, I thought of an immerfion in warm water, to take off 
the contraiflion ; but as it had never been mentioned by the Society, 
to my knowledge, it was not put in practice. 
It appears to me that every thing recommended by the Society was 
judicloufly applied, as we had the afliftance of Doctors Brewer and 
Eathrop, during part of the procefs. 
I make this communication in hopes fome gentlemen will inform 
what more could have been done, with a probability of fuccefs. 
I am, Sir, with much refpeft, 
your humble fervant, 
Rev. Samuel Parker, D. 
ZEBINA STEBBINS, 
lit. 
Vote of the Trujlees, February I. 1796. 
a meeting; of the Truftees of the Humane Society, Febru- 
ary I. 1796, Voted, That this letter be committed to the Medical Gen- 
tlemen of the Truftees, to conlider the circumftances of the attempt to 
refufeitate faid child,and to give their fentiments upon the fubjedl; and 
that the Correfponding Secretary be defired to return the thanks of the 
Truftees to Mr. Stebbins, for his communication, with the opinion of ths 
Medical Gentlemen upon the fubjedl. 
JOHN AVERY, jun. SecTy, 
The Committee appointed by the Tnflees of the Humane Society to an fiver 
a Number of Queries contained in a Letter from Mr. Zebina Stebbins 
of Springfield, Report, 
IV. 
nr hat as to the circumftance of the fubjetTs floating 
for feme time as reprefented in laid letter, the fame has been often 
noticed in cafes of children whofe (.loathing being loc/c} ferved the pur- 2j 
APPENDIX. 
pofe, by its cxpanfion on the furface of the water, of fupporting the 
body ; aided perhaps in feme meafure by a quantity of air retained in 
the lungs, and poflibly a lefs fpecific gravity than in the folids of an adult. 
The difcharge of mucus from the nejlrils rather than from the 
mouth, feems alfo not to have been an uncommon occurrence in inftances 
offubmerfton, and may perhaps be accounted for from the llructure of 
thofe cavities, the quantity of mucus with which they are naturally 
furnilhed, and which muft be greatly increafed, by the violent efforts 
of refpiration neceifarily attendant on cafes of this kind ; in confequence 
of which, the air becomes entangled in its paffage through them. 
And it is to be obferved that the frothy fuhjlanc: collected about the 
nofe, and formed by the air forced out from the lungs in the agitation 
of the body, has a more free courfe towards the nofe than the mouthy 
where accordingly it is rarely found. 
The Committee are farther of opinion, that the methods ufed in the 
cafe under confideratlon, were extremely judicious ; and applied with 
a perfeverance that does honour to the humanity of the gentleman who 
directed them, and of all thofe who were concerned in their adminillration. 
The ufe of the warm lath has often been recommended by foreign 
focieties ; yet it is obvious, that the length of time neceflllrily re- 
quired to prepare it, will generally preclude that early application upon 
which fuccefs in the means of refufeitation fo much depends.—lt may not 
however he ufelefs to obferve, that we confider the imparting of heat to an 
apparently dead body, to he an eflential part in the proccfs for reftora- 
tion, and therefore, conceive it highly important, to employ the means 
mof eafy of accefs on fuch occafions, for the purpofe of communicating it j 
and as dry warmth * moll ufually comes under this defeription, we ihould 
certainly in the fir ft inftance invariably have recourfe to it. From the 
moment the accident is difeovered, however, it might be highly prudent 
to be getting the warm hath into a hate of preparation, but we pre- 
fume with this indifpenfable precaution, to keep the water fufficiently warm 
to aft as a llimulant upon the body, or it may do harm by relaxing 
the fyllem, and thus counteracting the general indications. 
JOHN WARREN, per Order. 
A bath of warm afhes, or fand, has been frequently recommended ; and 
if readily to be obtained, is certainly well adapted to the purpofe. APPENDIX. 
29 
V. 
DoSor James Thacher’j Letter to the Second Vice-President. 
ERMIT me through you to communicate the following ftate- 
ment and obfervations to the Humane Society. 
A young man about 17 years of age, after having performed a very 
fatiguing day’s labour, was obferved in the evening to eat voracioufly of 
animal Food at fupper,' and having retired from the family, he was 
fome time after found under a tree in the orchard, expofed to the cold 
air, and deprived of every appearance of life. Being called to vifit 
him I found the body in a date of total ina<sHon, the animal powers, 
the fenfes, and voluntary motion had ceafed, and the vital fun6l inn s' 
feemed to be fufpended, there being no fymptom of the vital principle 
remaining, except now and then a fmall tremulous interrupted pulia- 
tion of the artery at the wrift. 
Previous to my arrival, a medical {lndent had commenced the refufci- 
tating procefs, which confided of fridion, warm and ftiraulating appli- 
cations, volatiles, &c. In a courfe of thefe we perfevered with unre- 
mitting affiduity about one hour and an half, and had the fatisfacliop 
during the procefs of obferving frequent fyraptoms of recovery. Blad- 
ders filled with water, heated to a confiderable degree, and applied to 
the axilla had the immediate effeff of exciting mufcular motion ; they 
were continued till he had fb far recovered as to be able to fet up in 
bed, when perceiving that he was exercifed with great pain and dillrefs 
about the region of the domach, I adminidred a full dofe of emetic 
tartar, which had the happy effeff of relieving that organ of the load, 
which doubtlefs had been the offending caufe. 
Sudden death has been the fate of feveral perfons in this vicinity 
within thefe few years pad, and it is to be lamented, that for want of pro- 
per intelligence the means of refufeitation have in aimed every indance 
been neglected. A remarkable cafe having recently occurred induces 
me to make fome obfei-vations on the fubjeft. 
Captain Jolhua Briggs of Wareham, in a moment of perfe# health, and 
while on an arbitration, was arreded by thedroke of death, or became a lub, 
jed of fufpended animation. A Phyfician was fent for, but being informed 
on the road that the perfon had expired, he returned without vifiting die 
body—fo peculiarly equivocal were the appearances after death, as to 
delay die interment of the body for feveral days longer than the time 
appointed for the purpofe. But notwithftanding ftrong doubts were 
D ear Sir, 
Plymouth, id June, 1796. APPENDIX. 
& 
Entertained whether death in reality had clofed the fcene, or the uncer- 
tain appearances of it only were prefent, yet unfortunately, no meafures 
were purfued upon this interefllng occafion, from which the friends 
could derive fatisfadion or hope of iuccefs ; removing the body from the 
the coffin into a warm bed, was all that their judgment fuggefled, until 
the more folemn office of configning it to the grave. 
The powers originally affigned by the aliwife Creator to perform the 
vital fundions, may be impaired or fuffer a temporary fufpenfion from 
various caufes, which cannot be inveftigated, and from which the am- 
biguous appearances of death may be induced. Befides fubmerfion, 
hanging, fuffocation, &c. inftances have occurred of fufpended anima- 
tion in confequence of fyncope, intoxication, extreme heat and cold, falls, 
blows, infants fuffocated in bed, &c. Under thefe misfortunes the fuf- 
fercr has a claim upon our bed: endeavours, and thefe fhould in no cafe 
be withheld. If the feelings of humanity have been fhocked by the re- 
flexion, that fome unfortunate perfons have been wrapped in fhrouds before 
the vital flame was totally extinguifhed, yet we may indulge the con- 
foling idea that hundreds have been refeued, by the hand of beneficence, 
from fo horrid a fate. The benevolent mind is now animated by well 
authenticated fluffs, tending to ellablifh the important principle that in 
all inftances of hidden, or apparent death, every poffible exertion Ihould 
be fcrupuloufly applied, with a view to reeftabliih the vital functions, 
nor Ihould fuccefj be difpaired of till it be fully afeertained that death 
is complete* 
The caufe of humanity has received a noble acquifition in the eftah- 
bllfhment of the Humane Society of Mallachufetts; the importance and 
utility of it are engraven upon the heart of the Ihipwrecked mariner, 
and others, who have been nearly interefted in the affecting feenes con- 
templated by the inftitution. As it will accord with the principles 
and views of the inftitution, that the advantages of it fhould be dif- 
penfed to all clafles of people, permit me to query, whether it is not 
expedient that printed direXions, deferibing the moil eligible procefs to 
be purfued in all cafes of hidden death, fhould be polled up in thofe re- 
mote towns, where they are yet deftitute of the necelfary intelligence, 
and not wholly divefted of prejudice and fuperftition. 
Wiihing every degree of fuccefs and profperity may attend the 
Humane Society, and the exertions of each member of it. 
I am, with due refpeX, 
Your moll obedient and very humble fervant, 
JAMES THACHER, 
Dr, John Warren. APPENDIX. 
Mr. John Bulkclcy’r Letter. 
VI. 
Lisbon, 6th Feb. 1796. 
X WAS this day honoured with your letter of the 2d December 
in behalf of the Prefident and Truftees of the Humane Society of Maf- 
fachufetts, eftablilhed folely for the promoting the laudable caufe of hu- 
manity. I feel myi'elf happy in the honour of being elected a member, and 
ihall ever be ready to promote its benevolent purpofes ; and having met 
with this opportunity of Capt. Jofeph S. Abraham, of the Schooner 
Bilboa, bound direftly to your port, I have fent by him for the purpofe 
of the inftitution, one hundred Spanilh dollars, as you will find by his 
b ill of ladine. 
Sir, 
I have the honour to be, 
Sir, your very humble fervant, 
JOHN BULKELEY, 
Samuel Parker, D.D. Bofton, 
Correfponding Secretary of the Humane Society. 
VII. 
Dr. Anthony FothergillV Letter. 
Mr. President and Gentlemen, 
Bath, Feb, 20, 1796. 
YESTERDAY I was favoured with your teflimonial, announc- 
ing me a member of the Humane Society of Maflachufetts, for which, 
unexpected honour, and the polite terms in which it was conveyed by 
your Secretary, pleafe to accept my mod grateful acknowledgments. 
If any efforts of mine can be thought to contribute in the fmallefl 
degree to the common caufe in which we are embarked, or to merit the 
attention of fo learned and refpeCtable a body, be allured it will afford 
me the fmcereft pleafure. 
That “ the prefervation of life and the advancement of fcience may 
ever unite our focieties in the permanent bands of friendfhip” is the ar- 
dent with of, Gentlemen, your obliged and obedient Servant, 
A. FOTHERGILL. 
DONATIONS & 
Appendix 
v DONATIONS received fmcc June 1795. 
17 * Dollars'. 
. ROM Hon. Thomas Ruflell, Efq; for a Cabinet for the"? 
Books, Papers, See. belonging to the Humane Society, £ 10 
Mr. Thomas Bulkeley, of Eilbon, relldent in Bollon, an honorary 1 
member, - - - - - - j 5° 
John Bulkeley, Efq; Merchant in Lilbon, an honorary member, 100 
Dollars 160 
1795- _ Dollars', 
June 22. To Robert Rogers, for faving the lives of four Boys 
overfet in a fmall boat where the water was 7 feet deep, 3 
Aug. 3. To Nathaniel Trench and fon, for faving the lives of 
Henry Emmes, John Emmes, J. Snelling and William 
Harris, who were overfet from a fmall boat in the 
harbour of Bollon, and would have perifhed, but for 
the faid Trench, &c. - 8 
oaob. 5. To Bollon Jackfon, a Negro man, for faving the life 
of a young man near Lewis’s wharf, when in 
danger of drowning, - 4 
Nov. 2. To Henry Powars, for faving the life of a child of 
John Franks from drowning in water 7 feet deep, 4 
To Francis French, for faving a child of Mr. Francis, 3 
To Daniel McLane, for faving a child ofMr.Mafon, 
near Goldlbury’s wharf, on the 14th October laft, 4 
To Joleph Coftello, for faving the lives of two child- 
ren, one of Mr. IDwyer, on the 3d of October lall, 
the other of Mr. Green, on the 12 th of October lall, y 
To Mercy Norcrofs, for faving a child of Nathaniel 
Spear, apparently dead when firfl taken from 
the water, -3; 
Decent. 5. To John Deluce and Daniel Spear, for their exer- 
tions in hiving the life of a man who appeared 
deranged in his mind, in danger of being drowned 
1796. at a dillance from the fhore, the tide flowing in, &c. 3 
Feb. i. To Patrick Morgan, for bringing on Ihore the body 
or a child of Henry Rogers of Springfield, related 
in Mr. Stebbins’s communication, - - 5 
PREMIUMS adjudged by the TRUSTEES. APPENDIX. 
33 
1796. Doll art. 
April 4. To Benja. Howard, for a fignal exertion in faving the 
life of a child of William Minzee at Rulfell’s whaif, 3 
June 6. To Timothy Pike and Jofhua Barrett, for refufcitat- 
ing a perfon of 70 years of age, who had fallen into 
the water in paffing over the caufeway, &c. 3 
To Ephraim Mann, for faving Jofeph Withington,who 
fell out of his canoe on Dorchefter neck, &c* 3 
Hollars, yj 
State of the Treafurefs Account for the Tear pajl. 
1796. - - Doll. Ctr. 
June 8. To Premiums paid, - - - 55 
To 1000 dollars Mafiachufetts 5 per cent Hock at 16/2. 808 33 
To expences of mufic & houfe. for the annual Difcourfe, 17 50 
Thomas and John Fleets account for printing General 
Brooks’s Difcourfc, Notifications, &c. - 61 40, 
To repairing Kut on Loven sliland,per S.Adam’s acco. 21 16 
To a Cabinet for repofitopy of papers, &c. - 10 
To repairing Hut on Cape Cod, per Eph.Harding’s acco. 14 17 
To fupplying fevcral Huts with necdfaries,.per Thomas 
Knox’s .account, p 66 
To Stationary, - * - 1 50 
To average expence of this Society for mufic and printing 
Dr. Warren’s Eulogy on the late Prefident, as alfefied 
per Committee. - 40 
To 545 15 MalTachufetts 5 per cent (lock, at 16/1. 438 38 
Dollars, 1477 10 
Contra Credit. 
By Balance of laft year’s account, 
June 10. By this day, r 
July By Intereft on State Notes, July 39 21 
1796, January 39 21 
Doll Cts. 
538 l-z 
205 75> 
78 42 34 
APPENDIX. 
By Intercft on 6 and 3 per cents, July 26 94 
Oftob. 26 94 
1796, January, 26 94 
April 26 53 
x per cent prin. 28 84 
Doll. Cfss 
i 36 19 
Dividend in Union Bank, O&ob. 16 56 
1796, April, 18 40 
Two quarters dividend on Malden Bridge, 
Subfcriptions from July 1. 1795 to June n> 1796, 
Donations. Hon. Thomas Ruffel for Cabinet, 10 
Mr. John Bulkeley of Lifbon, - - 100 
Mr. Thomas Bulkeley, at Bofton, - 50 
Balance due to the Treafurer, v- 
34 96 
8 25 
283 73 
160 
31 68 
?477 10 
Property in the Hands of the 'Treafurer-. 
$ per cent Stock of the United States, 
3 per cent ditto, 
Deferred Stock, ditto, 
Union Bank Stock, - r 
Malfachufetts 5 per cent Stock, 
*413 33 
708 83 
334 58 
36S 
2113 7i 
u 
4938 45 
Dollars, 
One Share in Malden Bridge. 
The above appears to be the ftate of theTreafurer’s accounts, as audited 
by us the Subfcribers, June 14, 1796. 
Johh- Deming, 
William Brown, 
Committee. APPENDIX. 
35 
OFFICERS of the Humane Society, chofen Dec. 1795. 
Hon. Thomas Russell, Efq; Prefident. 
Jonathan Mason, Efq; Firll Vice Prefident. . 
John Warren, M. D. Second Vice Prefident. 
Rev. Simeon Howarn, D. D. Treafurer. 
Rev. Samuel Parker, D. D. Correfponding Secretary, 
John Avery, Efq; Recording Secretary. 
Rev. John Lathrop, D. D. 
Rev. Peter Thacher, DD, 
Rev. John Clarke, D. D. 
Dodl. Thomes Welch, 
Aaron De xter, M. D, 
Nathaniel Balch, Efq; , 
y Truilees. 
I 
J 
Members deceafed fince the lafl Publication. 
Hon. Thomas Ruifell, Prefident, Mr. Jofeph Ruifell, 
Mr. Jonathan Freeman, Capt. Ifaac Smith, Malden. 
Mr. Algernon Sidney Howard, 
Rev. Thomas Baldwin, Dodh Nathan Hayward, Plymouth, 
Rev. Jofeph Barker, Middleloro* Mr. Barnabas Hedge, Ply mouthy 
Dodl. Zaccheus Bartlett, Plymouth, Rev. John Thornton Kirkland, 
Mr. Benjamin Callender, Mr. Caleb Leach, Plymouth, 
Mr. Gardner Leonard Chandler, Rev. John Mellen, Barnfabhr, 
Mr. William Davis, Plymouth, Mr. Eliphalet Pearfon, Cambridge, 
Rev. Timothy Dickinfon, Hollifon, Mr. Chandler Robbins, Hallowed, 
Mr. Thomas Greene, Mr. Daniel Ruifell, 
Capt. Abraham Hammett, Plymouth, DO6I. William Shelden, Spring-held, 
Ebenezer Hancock, Efq; Rev. Thomas C. Thacher, Lynn, 
Mr. John Hancock, Capt. Jofeph Thomas, Plymouth. 
Mr. Benjamin Hafkell, 
Members advtittedfnce fane 1795. 
Honorary Members. 
John Bulkeley, Efq; I.ijlon, 
Mr. Thomas Bulkeley, Li/bon, 
Anthony Fothergill, M. D. Bath, G. B, 
Mr. Edward Goodwin, Bath, G. B. 
William Ruffell, Efq; Philadelphia. 3^ 
Summary of the Method of ‘treatment to he 
apparently dead from drowning. 
ONVEY the perfon to tile neared convenient houfe, with his head 
raifed ;—Strip and dry him as quick as poflible ; clean the mouth and 
noftrils from froth and mud—if a child, let him be placed between two 
perfons naked, in a hot bed—lf an adult, lay him on a hot blanket or 
bed, and, in cold weather, near a fire—in warm weather, the air fhould 
be freely admitted into the room The body is next to be gently rubbed 
with warm woollen cloths fprinkled with fpirlts, if at hand, otherwife 
<lry :—A heated warming-pan may be now lightly moved over the back, 
properly covered with a blanket—and the body, if of a child, is to be 
gently fhook every few minutes:—Whilft thefe means are tiling, one 
or two affiftants are to be employed in blowing up tobacco fmoke into 
the fundanrient', with the inftrument provided for the purpofe, or a 
tobacco-pipe, if that cannot be had—the bowl filled with tobacco, and 
properly lighted, being covered with a handkerchief, or piece of linen, 
fo as to defend the mouth of the afliftant in blowing : Bathe the bread 
with hot rum, and perfdl in the ufe of thefe means for feveral hours. 
If no figns of life fhould then appear, let the body be kept warm feveral 
hours longer, with hot bricks, or velfels of hot water, applied to the 
palms of the hands, and foies of the feet, and this for a longer or 
Ihorter time, as the circumftances of the cafe may dictate. 
(£> The Truflees of the Humane Society of the Commonwealth 
of MalTachufetts have procured five fets of Tobacco Machines, for the 
recovery of perfons apparently dead, from drowning, fuffocation, &c. 
and have depofited them, for the relief of the unfortunate, in feveral 
parts of the town of Bofton ; one with Dr. L. Hayward, in Newbury 
Street—another with Dr. IVarren, in South School Street—a third 
with Dr. Dexter, in Milk Street—a fourth with Dr. TownJenJt 
and the fifth with the Rev. Yir.Lathrop, North Square.