Notable Women of Modern ChinaBurton, Margaret E. (Margaret Ernestine)
History
Notable Women of Modern China
Burton, Margaret E. (Margaret Ernestine)
China -- Biography; Women -- Biography
Appreciation of Dr. Hü's work is not limited to any one class of people.
One day when she was watching the laying of the foundation of her home on
Black Rock Hill, many of the people who lived near were gathered around,
and she thought it would be a good opportunity to see how they felt about
her coming there. So she asked an old "literary man" standing near her,
"Ibah, are you glad to see us building? We will soon be your neighbours."
Without any hesitation he replied, while the others signified hearty
approval of his remarks: "We are all delighted. It is a hospital, and very
different from building a church. _I-seng_ (doctor), you have made many
cures in our families. Of course you don't remember us, but even after the
transmigration to either dog or hog we will remember you. You may be sure
you are welcomed, only we are not good enough to be your neighbours." After
the doctor had left, her chair-bearers told her that the people really
meant what they said; for they had heard them say similar things when she
was not there. Dr. Hü added, "I do feel very sorry that these people are
still ignorant that a mission hospital is a part of the church, but they
will know some day."
Nor has appreciation of the work been limited to words. From the
magistrates down, the Chinese have readily subscribed gifts of money to the
hospital work. Even the Chinese physicians, who have found Dr. Hü's
scientific training so formidable a rival to their practice, have exhibited
a most friendly spirit. Dr. Hü says of them: "The Chinese doctors have
bravely brought their patients for us to heal. Some of them are well-known
doctors in the city here, so their coming to us helps our work a good
deal. These doctors are not at all conceited. They talk very openly and
frankly before everybody."
That Dr. Hü is genuinely loved by her patients, and not valued simply as
one from whom benefits are received, was evidenced during her mother's long
last illness. During the many months when her mother was so ill, the doctor
made the long trip of several miles, from her hospital to her home, almost
every night, returning each day for her morning clinics. This, and her care
of her mother, added to all her other work, made such heavy days that the
patients often said: "Dr. Hü must be very tired. We must save her from
working too hard."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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