Pioneer Work in Opening the Medical Profession to WomenBlackwell, Elizabeth
History
Pioneer Work in Opening the Medical Profession to Women
Blackwell, Elizabeth
Blackwell, Elizabeth, 1821-1910; Women physicians -- United States -- Biography
London: May 5.
I gave the day to Florence, who is about leaving, uncertain
whether she will see me again. We heard Mr. Ellis lecture
at the National Association on Political Economy. We
also visited the Verral Hospital, but were not favourably
impressed by the judiciousness of the exercises. Dined with
her at the Bracebridges’, and parted from her with tears.
_May 20._—Visited Guy’s Hospital, Dr. Oldham doing the
honours most kindly. The museum is the best for study that
I have yet seen. There are about 600 beds in the hospital;
twenty are for midwifery, especially under Dr. Oldham’s
care, providing about 1,800 cases in the year, and looked
after by four young students, who are maintained by the
hospital for that purpose. There was a room especially
devoted to electrical treatment. The whole establishment
bore the marks of wealth.
_July 15._—Wished Dr. Oldham good-bye, who expressed great
friendliness, wished to see my sister should she visit
England, and offers to make an application for admission
to Guy’s Hospital....
_July 17._—Said good-bye to Mr. Paget, Dr. Burrows, Dr.
Hue, &c.—in fact, cut my connection with the hospitals. Did
it with much regret; all were extremely kind, expressing
the utmost interest and respect for the work. Mrs. Paget
introduced me to a lady as ‘a benefactor to the race,’
and hoped to hear of me through Mr. Paget. He spoke of the
perfectly satisfactory nature of the experiment, and that
it may be done by another lady under similar circumstances,
but _not_ as a simple student, he thinks. Dr. Burrows also
was extremely friendly, and paid me indirectly the highest
compliment, as having ‘established a principle for others,
by the success of my laudable enterprise; he thought that
quite a new idea had been gained in this matter, which
would help anyone else in future.’ I found also, with
mingled sadness and triumph, that _now_ I might do anything
I pleased at St. Bartholomew’s. They have learned to know
and welcome me as I am going away, and are, as Mr. Paget
said, sorry to lose me.
_Last Days in England.—Farewells._
_Saturday, July 19, 1851._—I have wished all good-bye, and
am now ready to go. Much as I regret England, my deepest
feelings are with my work, which I always carry with me....
Bessie P. spent part of the day with me. We parted with a
few cheerful words, but I saw her face colour with emotion
as she looked back and saw me watching her from the door.
Beautiful, true heart! it grieves me deeply to part from
her....
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