This is just a guess, but pehaps "sickness" was the way in which the debit was forgiven. In other words, $7 was paid in cash and $4 was forgiven due to illness.

 Susanne Lambert
Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art

Tusculum College Museums wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> I have a question about the term "sickness" as used in an 1850's ledger
> that I am transcribing.  The ledger lists the debits and credits of
> students attending this man's school.  The term falls under the credits
> section where it lists how the debits were paid for.  Some just say "By
> cash $10."  While others say "By sickness $4. By cash $7."  Is anyone
> familiar with the use of this term at that time?  or know where I can look
> for the answer?
>
> Thanks in advance for your help,  Adrienne Marrah-Program Assistant
>
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