Hello Anne, Perhaps it was the criteria for admission? Or to ensure admission? Or immediate admission if there was a waiting list? Kindest Regards ...... Corinne in Melbourne. > > >> Hi All, >> >> I am researching a Victorian 19th century criminal case. In the trial >> manuscript one of the witnesses said that she encouraged the wife to get >> the >> local magistrate to authorise her husband's admission into hospital. Now >> the >> husband was ill in bed and my question is: >> >> Was it normal for a wife in 1863 to have to get a magistrate's permission >> before her husband could be admitted to hospital? I should stress the >> husband was physically ill, not mentally ill. >> >> Any thoughts/comments will be gratefully received. >> >> >> Anne Hanson >> [email protected]