“The capital of the poor man” is a series of historical examinations by Brad MacGowan that will be published to the web as they are written. At this time, the first twelve are available here. The goal of this series of articles is to chronicle some of the history of medicine and public health in Lowell, and all of the social, political, psychological, and economic issues involved in the health of a city over a long period of history.
The capital of the poor man is his health.
The interest which he receives upon his capital is the wages of each day's labor. . . .
The health of the people is the real foundation upon which the prosperity of the city depends.
James C. Abbott Mayor of Lowell, Massachusetts Jan. 4, 1887
