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A Computation of the Daily and Annual Expenses of an Hospital, to be erected for Incurables.

Per day.

Incurable fools, are almost infinite; however, at first, I would have only twenty thousand admitted; and, allowing to each person but one shilling per day for maintenance, which is as low as possible, the daily expense for this article will be L1000

Incurable knaves, are, if possible, more numerous, including foreigners, especially Irishmen.  Yet I would limit the number of these to about thirty thousand; which would amount to 1500

Incurable scolds, would be plentifully supplied from almost every family in the kingdom.  And indeed, to make this hospital of any real benefit, we cannot admit fewer, even at first, than thirty thousand, including the ladies of Billingsgate and Leadenhall market, which is 1500

The incurable scribblers, are undoubtedly a very considerable society, and of that denomination I would admit at least forty thousand; because it is to be supposed, that such incurables will be found in greatest distress for a daily maintenance.  And if we had not great encouragement to hope, that many of that class would properly be admitted among the incurable fools, I should strenuously intercede to have ten or twenty thousand more added.  But their allowed number will amount to 2000

Incurable coxcombs, are very numerous; and, considering what numbers are annually imported from France and Italy, we cannot admit fewer than ten thousand, which will be 500

Incurable infidels, (as they affect to be called) should be received into the hospital to the number of ten thousand.  However, if it should accidentally happen to grow into a fashion to be believers, it is probable, that the great part of them would, in a very short time, be dismissed from the hospital, as perfectly cured.  Their expense would be 500

Incurable liars, are infinite in all parts of the kingdom; and, making allowance for citizens’ wives, mercers, prentices, news-writers, old maids, and flatterers, we cannot possibly allow a smaller number than thirty thousand, which will amount to 1500

The incurable envious, are in vast quantities throughout this whole nation.  Nor can it reasonably be expected that their numbers should lessen, while fame and honours are heaped upon some particular persons, as the public reward of their superior accomplishments, while others, who are equally excellent, in their own opinions, are constrained to live unnoticed and contemned.  And, as it would be impossible to provide for all those who are possessed