|
 Benjamin
Franklin's interest in the scientific culture of the 18th century
drew him into many positive acquaintances and associations. It
was Franklin's friendship with Dr. Thomas Bond that inspired
him to assist in the founding of Pennsylvania Hospital.
During the 18th century, Philadelphia was the largest English
speaking city in the world except for London. Out of civic pride,
Philadelphians thought they should have institutions equal to
those of the mother country. The addition of a hospital to the
city would also alleviate the colonists' dependence on the English
medical establishment.
With Franklin's talent for popularizing an idea, funds were
obtained from both the Pennsylvania legislature and private citizens
in 1751; Franklin received a promise from the legislature to
match whatever he collected from the public. This fundraising
method, now known as a matching fund drive, was a new technique.
Another fundraising idea of Franklin's was the sale of a promotional
booklet, Some Account of the Pennsylvania Hospital (1756);
this served as an early "development report" and came
complete with a contribution form on the last page! Further financial
service was rendered by Franklin when he assisted Dr. John Fothergill
in obtaining an Act of British Parliament and a favorable decision
of the Lord Chancellor of England - the Hospital was made a recipient
of the proceeds from the defunct Pennsylvania Land Company. This
act benefited the hospital by several thousand pounds.
In addition to his monetary contributions to Pennsylvania Hospital,
Benjamin Franklin was also elected to and served on the Board
of Managers of Pennsylvania Hospital from 1751 until his resignation
in 1757. He was the first Secretary of the original Board, and
its second President.
As a member of Pennsylvania General Assembly and afterwards
as President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania,
Franklin was able, through his wide acquaintance and powerful
influence, to assist the hospital in many ways. Up to the time
of his death, April 17, 1790, he remained supportive of the hospital,
which owes -- to a great extent -- its very existence to his
efforts.
Return
to 1751 - 1800
|
