This article is fairly typical of the attitude of _Punch_ towards what we now call "Feminism"--a term so new that in the _New English Dictionary_ it is dismissed in half a dozen words as a rare word meaning "the qualities of females"! That definition, however, was given in 1901. Now it would have to be revised to include the movement for political emancipation, economic independence, and admission to the professions. References to female politicians begin in the third volume, where we find the very unsympathetic and even acid sketch here given of Miss Walker, "the female Chartist." Eight years elapsed before ladies were admitted to the gallery of the House of Commons, though, even then, carefully screened from view by the metal work of the "Grille," an Orientally obscuring device which lasted till Georgian days. The possibility of their appearing on the floor of the House is never seriously contemplated; the "Parliamentary female" included amongst the "ladies of creation" in the _Almanack_ for 1852 is modelled on Mrs. Jellyby--_Bleak House_ had been coming out serially from March, 1852, onwards. The pioneers of the invasion of the professions hailed from America. Miss Elizabeth Blackwell, M.D., of Boston,[25] is mentioned in 1848, and in the following year _Punch_ welcomed the innovation in verse:-- AN M.D. IN A GOWN Young ladies all, of every clime, Especially of Britain, Who wholly occupy your time In novels or in knitting, Whose highest skill is but to play, Sing, dance, or French to clack well, Reflect on the example, pray, Of excellent Miss Blackwell! For Doctrix Blackwell--that's the way To dub in rightful gender-- In her profession, ever may Prosperity attend her! _Punch_, a gold-handled parasol Suggests for presentation, To one so well deserving all Esteem and admiration. [Footnote 25: Miss Blackwell, as we learn from an _In Memoriam_ notice in _The Times_, was born in Bristol on February 3, 1821, died at Hastings in 1910, and was buried at Kilmun, Argyllshire. She is there described as "the first woman doctor."] [Sidenote: _The Bloomer Craze_] [Illustration: BLOOMERISM--AN AMERICAN CUSTOM]