The reality for the poor populations of cities like Limerick, Cork and Dublin was grim - diseases such as T.B. (consumption) and diphtheria continued to take their toll in the 1930s as they had at the turn of the century. Hospitals were not the cheerful, open places that they are today. Improvements in medical knowledge and patient care, and changes in social attitudes, have brought about a great transformation. But in the 1930s and 1940s they were still authoritarian places. Care was free, but the poor were made to feel that they were being looked after on sufferance. The slightest hint of enjoyment or high spirits was heavily frowned upon. The natural kindness of the nurses was chilled into repression by the inhuman formality of the system. There was another presence in the hospitals too - and that was fear. By the time someone was admitted, it might well be too late. There were many diseases considered incurable. Especially in the tuberculosis wards, many people old and young, were admitted in the expectation that they would die there. The ever-present fear of death helped to create the chilly, brooding atmosphere that sometimes also seems reflected in the architecture itself. "When I saw her first reclining Her lips were mov'd in prayer, And the setting sun was shining On her loosen'd golden hair. When our kindly glances met her Deadly brilliant was her eye; And she said that she was better, While we knew that she would die." -- Richard d'Alton WILLIAMS, extract "The Dying Girl." Classified Ad, "Limerick Chronicle," 1943 -- "Coughs and Colds are prevalent. Be sure and ask for EMBY's Essence of Benzoin by name (registered) and avoid substitutes. Emby's warms up chest, cuts away phlegm, and has an unexcelled reputation for doing what it says. IT CURES COUGHS. Sold by all chemists. Manufactured by WIDDESS, Chemist, Roche's Street. 1/6 and 2/6 per bottle. Special Children's Essence, 1/3." -- Excerpts, "Through Irish Eyes" 1998