So, in 1881, another attempt was made toward persuading Harvard to admit women to its medical department. The New England Hospital Medical Society, through a committee of which Dr. Emma L. Call was chairman, had asked the assistance of the leading medical colleges for women toward making a combined appeal for the opening to women of the medical school of Harvard University. And in September, the following communication was formally presented: To the President and Overseers of Harvard University: GENTLEMEN: Would you accept the sum of fifty thousand dollars for the purpose of providing such medical education for women as will entitle them to the degree of Doctor of Medicine from your University? This sum to be held by you in trust, and the interest of the same to be added to the principal, until the income of the fund can be used for such medical education of women. If such an arrangement cannot be made within ten years, the fund to be returned to the donors. This letter was signed by Drs. Zakrzewska, Emily Blackwell, Lucy E. Sewall, Helen Morton, Mary Putnam-Jacobi, Elizabeth M. Cushier, Alice Bennett, and Eliza M. Mosher--the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania feeling unable to join, but writing: ... While we are in hearty sympathy with the object of your efforts, it seems impracticable at present to offer any active coöperation. After a delay of several months, the following reply was received from Harvard University: Treasurer’s Office, Harvard College, No. 70 Water Street, Boston, May 2, 1882. DEAR MADAM: I have the honor to enclose a copy of a vote recently passed by the President and Fellows of Harvard College, in relation to the Medical Education of Women in Harvard University. Yours very respectfully, E. W. HOOPER, Secy. Marie E. Zakrzewska, M.D. (COPY) At a meeting of the President and Fellows of Harvard College in Boston, April 24, 1882. Upon the question of accepting the proposal contained in the communication received by this Board on September 26, 1881, from Marie E. Zakrzewska, M.D., and others, in relation to the medical education of women in Harvard University. Voted, that while the President and Fellows of Harvard College recognize the importance of thorough medical education for women they do not find themselves able to accept the proposal contained in the communication above referred to. A true copy of Record Attest: E. W. Hooper, Secy. To Marie E. Zakrzewska, M.D., for herself and others. Thus did Harvard lose its last opportunity to become the leader in the opening to women of the great medical schools of America, its misfortune in this respect being due to what appears to have been a certain indecisiveness.