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
The cordial relations with Professor and students continued. Throughout
the examination time the most friendly interest was felt in my success
by my fellow-students. One of my brothers came on to Geneva to attend
my graduation. Being personally a stranger to the students, he was
much amused by the free indications of friendly comradeship which
he overheard. The ceremony of conferring the full and equal diploma
of Doctor of Medicine upon a woman excited much interest in the
neighbourhood. It was held in the large Presbyterian Church, which,
with its ample galleries, was crowded in every part with spectators.
The other students walked in procession from the college to the church,
but I went up with my brother and took my seat in the side aisle.
_Extracts from the Journal of 1849._
_January 22._—Our examinations came off successfully.
Hurrah,’tis almost over!
_Tuesday, January 23, 1849._—The day, the grand day, is
nearly finished; and now whilst visitors are dropping in I
must record my first entrance into public life—’twas bright
and beautiful and very gratifying. Great curiosity was felt.
As I entered and sat in the church I gave one thought to
friends, and then thought only of the Holy One. After the
degree had been conferred on the others, I was called up
alone to the platform. The President, in full academical
costume, rose as I came on the stage, and, going through
the usual formula of a short Latin address, presented me
my diploma. I said: ‘Sir, I thank you; it shall be the
effort of my life, with the help of the Most High, to shed
honour on my diploma.’ The audience applauded, but their
presence was little to me. I was filled with a sense of the
grandeur of a holy life, with high resolves for the future.
As I came down, George Field opened the door of the front
row, and I was much touched by the graduates making room
for me, and insisting that I should sit with them for the
remainder of the exercises. Most gladly I obeyed the friendly
invitation, feeling more thoroughly at home in the midst
of these true-hearted young men than anywhere else in the
town. I heard little of what was said; my whole soul was
absorbed in heavenly communion. I felt the angels around
me. Dr. Lee gave the valedictory address; he surprised me
by the strong and beautiful way in which he alluded to the
event. I felt encouraged, strengthened to be greatly good.
As I stood at the door the faculty all most kindly wished
me good-bye, and Dr. Hale and Bishop De Lancy shook hands
and congratulated me. All the ladies collected in the entry,
and let me pass between their ranks; and several spoke to
me most kindly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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