BORROWED WISDOM

 A man named Martin Couney, who lived at the turn of the 20th century, was known as the incubator doctor.  Doctor Couney was an obstetrician although his graduation from a medical school could never be verified.  

At that time, most premature birthed babies died.  Some were born in the hospitals but births were common at home as well.    Those preemies were then brought to the hospital.    

The hospitals weren't inclined to invest in a incubator ward as Dr. Couney had suggested.  He set up guidelines for such a place so that he could test his theories about saving the lives of those born early.  To pay for his proposal, he put the incubators in amusement parks (New York's Coney Island), at a World's Fair and at local carnivals.  People paid to see all the premature babies.  

He placed restriction on smoking in the area, demanded sanitary surroundings and stationed a nurse full time with the babies.  It is estimated that he saved thousands of lives with his methods which were eventually adopted by the hospitals.  

I love babies.