[The ‘Medical Times’ of the 21st ult. contains a full, true, and particular account of the admission of a young lady, Miss Elizabeth Blackwell, by the General Medical College, in the State of New York, to a physician’s degree. Miss Blackwell had duly attended lectures at the college, and received a formal diploma, under the title of ‘Domina,’ which was the only feminine that the Senate could find for Doctor. ‘Punch’ really thinks this is a case for a copy of verses, which he accordingly subjoins, in honour of the fair M.D.] Not always is the warrior male, Nor masculine the sailor; We all know Zaragossa’s tale, We’ve all heard ‘Billy Taylor;’ But far a nobler heroine, she Who won the palm of knowledge, And took a Medical Degree, By study at her College. They talk about the gentler sex Mankind in sickness tending, And o’er the patient’s couch their necks Solicitously bending; But what avails solicitude In fever or in phthisic, If lovely woman’s not imbued With one idea of physic? 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! Think, if you had a brother ill, A husband, or a lover, And could prescribe the draught or pill Whereby he might recover; How much more useful this would be, Oh, sister, wife, or daughter! Than merely handing him beef-tea, Gruel, or toast-and-water. Ye bachelors about to wed In youth’s unthinking hey-day, Who look upon a furnish’d head As horrid for a lady, Who’d call a female doctor ‘blue;’ You’d spare your sneers, I rather Think, my young fellows, if you knew What physic costs a father! How much more blest were married life To men of small condition, If every one could have his wife For family physician; His nursery kept from ailments free, By proper regulation, And for advice his only fee A thankful salutation. 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. 1849. III _First Annual Report of the New York Dispensary for Poor Women and Children, 1855_