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This study is based exclusively on the very important documentary source of the Parish Memories, resulting from the inquiry ordered in 1758 by Marquês de Pombal. A systematic paleographic survey and transcription of all records referring to hospitals and Mercies was carried out, and the testimonies of the 4073 Parishes of the country were reviewed one by one. The intended testimonies were found in 398 parishes, indicating that there were hospitals and/or mercies and/or hostels or other assistance establishments, that offers many and very interesting kinds of information for this study in general, as well as it may provide partial studies in multiple fi elds of the same theme.